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^ DYING SAYINGS. 



t 



A 



DYING SAYINGS 



EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 



ESPECIALLY 



MINISTERS, 



SELECTED AJVD ARRANGED, 

IN THE ALPHABETICAL ORDER OF THE NAMES OF THE 
DECEASED, 

By INGRAM COBBIN, M. A. 



**Once they were mourning here below. 

And wet their couch with tears ; 

They wrestled hard, as we do now, 

With sins and doubts and fears." — Dr. Watts, 

"These all died in ioMh^—Heb, xi, \Z^W^)$wy^^ 



LONDON: 

PUBLISHED BY FREDERICK WESTLEY & A. H. DAVIS, 

10, Stationers' Court, and Ave-Maria Lane. 



1828. 






W. MOLIIvEUX, ROLLS PRINTING OFFICE, 
ROLLS BUILDINGS, FETTER LAXE. 






PREFACE. 



Infidelity, among its other false and audacious 
assertions against Christianity, has said, that her 
ministers themselves do not believe what they 
preach. This is no doubt lamentably true of 
those who make the priestly office only a step to 
worldly emolument ; but it receives a bold denial 
in the testimony of many faithful men in that 
moment which has been called ^'a detector of the 
heart." The "Dying Sayings" of hundreds of 
eminent ministers, as well as other Christians, 
will prove that they believed what they affirmed, 
and that they '^have not followed cunningly- 
devised fables," but that their creed, as believers 
in Jesus, was well adapted to support their 
hearts, under the failure of all other comforts 
and dependencies. 



VI PREFACE. 

In the trying moment, it frequently happens, 
that through the weakness of the bodily frame, 
the mind can attend but little to conversation or 
reading; yet something short and striking, like 
proverbs, may with advantage be introduced. 
These sentences, once uttered by those who have 
already trodden the vale of death, are well cal- 
culated to meet the case ; and fainting Christians 
may be encouraged by learning the conflicts of the 
most eminent departed saints; strong ones will 
find increasing cause for thankfulness in enjoying 
better moments than some and echoing the tri- 
umphs of others ; and all may discover something 
to cheer the spirits in passing through the dark 
valley. 

The genuine nature of the religion of Jesus 
may likewise be seen in the one spirit which has 
distinguished believers of all ranks, of many 
persuasions, of different nations, and of various 
periods, as well as of all ages, from the youngest 
to the most advanced in life. 

This little volume mav, under the divine bless- 



PREFACE. Vil 

iiig, be introduced with advantage into the sick 
chamber, and will help to solemnize the spirit in 
a time when Proyidence calls for reflections on 
mortality. A sentence only may be read to the 
invalid, where he is unable to read himself^ or 
where the utterance of more cannot be borne, 
ajui the selections may be such as are adapted 
to the state of mind of the individual. 

And may not the same beneficial etFects be 
produced on the minds of some in health - To 
the thoughtless such pages say, '' Be ye 
also ready," while they shew the blessedness 
resulting from a religious life, in a dying hour. 
To those who '^through fear of death are all their 
life-time subject to bondage," they will prove 
that death's dart is but ^^ a shadow," and that, 
by believers, its wound is often more feared thau 
felt; and, to assured Christians, they may afford 
fresh food for faith. 

It may be observed, that nearly the same ex- 
pressions frequently occur in the dying experi- 
ence of different Christians; but the repetition 



Vlll PREFACE. 

has been preferred to the omission, as in the 
mouth of two or three witnesses a thing shall be 
established. In some cases but little is recorded ; 
but that little appears worth preserving; the 
compiler has therefore inserted it, though con- 
sisting of but a few words or broken sentences. 

Some of the obituaries refer to troublous times ; 
these will often strikingly shew the concern which 
the ministers of Christ have had for the future in- 
terests of religion. Martyrs' deaths, too, are re- 
corded ; for death is the same, whether on a bed 
of down or at the stake; but the last words of those 
who have suffered under these most trying circum- 
stances, will shew the power of divine grace in 
cheering the heart, even when the last enemy 
approaches in his most terrific forms; and it is 
not improbable that they may also inspire feel- 
ings of gratitude for peaceable beds on which 
to repose unmolested for conscience' sake. 

Some sayings of those mentioned are omitted 
as not necessary for the purposes of this volume; 
and prayers are often recorded, as they will be 



PREFACE. IX 

patterns to aid or excite those of afflicted Chris- 
tians in similar circumstances. 

Many eminent characters have left behind them 
only their names and works ; some have died sud- 
denly ; and others have had none to treasure up 
their humble confessions, grateful avowals, faith- 
ful cautions, and devout aspirations. Of them 
we can only say, ^Hhe memory of the just is 
blessed." 

To accommodate those whose eyes may be 
feeble by age or disease, the ''Dying Sayings" 
are printed in a bold clear type; and for the 
purpose of easy reference to any particular cha- 
racter, the whole of the names are alphabetically 
arranged, so that the reader will have no addi- 
tional trouble in referring to an index. 

The work has long been commenced ; but other 
objects having engaged the compiler's time, se- 
veral publications of a similar character have 
appeared during its progress. None of these, 
however, being on the plan here adopted, he 
ventures to present the following collection to 



X PREFACE. 

the Christian world as the most complete yet 
made from the valuable remains of a ^reat 
^^dloud of witnesses," the publicity of whose 
characters, for the most part, afforded a good 
opportunity to enable the world to judge how 
they lived as well as how they died. 

One peculiarity of this work is, that it contains 
^^ Dying Sayings'^ only, with a mere head-note 
expressing the name, the rank or office, the resi- 
dence, the denomination, the period of death, and 
the age of most of the deceased individuals. 
Memoirs may be valuable on other occasions; 
but in the hours of sickness and death, brevity 
and point are most desirable ; and comments^ how 
excellent soever they may be, may then only 
weaken the force oi facts. 

If but one doubting soul is comforted, or but 
one believer established in his most holy faith by 
means of this collection, the compiler will think 
his labour well repaid. 

Though most of the distinguished names on 
record, in the annals of the Church of Christ, 



PREFACE. XI 

are to be found in the following pages, there yet 
^ remain the testimonies of many others, which it 

was not possible to introduce without swelling 

the work to an unsuitable size ; yet these are too 
i Taluable to be omitted; if, therefore, circum- 

stances should justify the preparation for a second 
fi volume, it will in due time make its appearance, 
1 and will include all the Dying Sayings which 
|. remain of a similar character with those which 
I are here presented to the Christian public. 



ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS 



WORK \ 



AT THE HEADS OF THE SAYINGS. 



P. Presbvterian. 

S. P. Scotch Presbyterian of the Kirk. 

S. S. Scotch Sececler. 

N. C. Non-Conformist; prefixed to the names of 
those who were among the Ministers ejected from 
the Established Cburch, on Bartholomew Day, 
August 24, 1662. 

Puritan. Evangelical Clergymen, opposed to certain 
things in the Cimrch before the days of the Non- 
Conformists. 

I. Independent. 

P. B. Particular Baptist. 

C. M. Calvinistic Methodist; or of that body of 
Christians who use the form of prayer, but do 
not belong to the Established Church. 

W. M. Wesley an Methodist. 

L. Lutheran. 

F. P. French Protestant. 

Episcopalian Ministers are always distinguished by the 
appendages of Bishop, Rector, Vicar, Chaplain, 
Lecturer, Curate, &c.; the laity of that denomina- 
tion have E appended to their names. 



OF 

EMINENT CHRISTIANS, &c. 



Rev, JOHN ADAMS, Minister at Falkirk. Died 
joung, A. D. 1757. 

^^ 'Tis all one to me whether I live or die. 
Since the beginning of this illness, I have 
had such sweet composure of mind that my 
will is entirely resig-ned to God's will; fully 
persuaded of its being the wisest and best for 
me, that I would not for a world have it put 
to my choice whether I should live or die, 
as I should not know which to chuse."" 

^'I see it is not only the privilege of be- 
lievers to plead humbly^ but to plead boldly, 
and with an assured confidence to claim 
their interest in the divine favour and love. 
I bless God for his infinite goodness to me, 
in the sw^eet communications of his love to 
my soul, since confined to this bed of lan- 
guishing. I have experienced more of 
heavenly intercourse than in most of my 
life hitherto; and indeed, I have it to re- 

B 



^ DYING SAYINGS 

mark^ to the praise of sovereign grace^ that 
in all my afflictions God hath vouchsafed 
his favour^ and made them the sweetest times 
of my life. I lie on this bed in perfect ease 
of body^ neither sick nor sore, and in the 
most composed state of mind^ entirely re- 
signed to the divine w^ill^ as well pleased to 
die as to live. This indifference to life, 
however, flows not from any discontent with 
the w^orld : I have no reason to be so. — No ; 
I have agreeable relations, pleasant connex- 
ions; and, indeed, a smile of providence 
hath ever attended me. But a sense of the 
divine love, and the incomparable happiness 
that awaits in the other world, reconciles me to 
death, and makes me welcome the stroke. 
I see nothing terrible in the summons ; my 
Redeemer hath unstinged the tyrant, and 
changed his very nature from a messenger 
of wrath, to that of joy; so that with the 
apostle I can triumph : ^ O death where is 
thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?' 
Within this twelvemonth past, God hath 
in wonderful condescension, vouchsafed me 
the light of his countenance and influences 
of his Holy Spirit, shining upon his word, 
opening up to me the mysteries of his grace, 
and gives me such insight into the meaning 



OF EIVIINENT CHRISTIANS. 6 

of many places of scripture, wherein the 
exceeding riches and infinite excellence of 
sovereign grace are declared, that indeed, I 
have been many times overpowered with 
their sweetness. O ! adorable, rich, free 
grace ! my whole plea ! my sure hope ! How 
inexpressibly sweet have these scriptures been 
to me in my confinement, Heb. vi, 17, and 
connected with Heb. iv, 14, to the end. It 
is, indeed, the very design of the whole dis- 
pensation of grace to raise the soul to the 
highest pitch of assurance, that it may have 
strong consolation, and attain firm unshaken 
confidence in the divine favour and love. 
What is trusting in God, so often exhorted 
to in scripture, but this ? A confiding in, and 
depending continually upon this grace pro- 
mised in the gospel in an absolute certainty 
that it shall be bestow^ed, and be altogether 
sufficient for the purposes of securing and 
perfecting the begun work in the heavenly 
glory. Oh, how much do I see the propriety 
and necessity of complying with the apostle's 
exhortation, *'Give all diligence to make 
your calling and election sure.' Nothing 
but an assured confidence in the divine love 
can support the soul in the immediate view 
of appearing before the Judge of all; but 



4 DYING SAYINGS 

this precious faith begets and supports a 
triumph in the nearest prospect of grappling 
with the king of terrors: *^Thanks be to 
God^ who giveth us the victory through 
Jesus Christ our Lord/ A lively faith in 
the Son of God unfolds the meaning, and 
gives experience of the sweetness of the 
apostle's hope, 3 Cor. v, to the 11th verse. 
Such a hope I have, as an anchor, sure and 
steadfast, entering into that within the vail. 
He is faithful that hath promised. I can 
trust his word, and am sure of the happy 
accomplishment. It is, indeed, a high dis- 
honour to God, to be ever doubting of his 
grace : he hath allowed strong consolation 
to us who have fled for refuge to the hope 
set before us. We should be content with 
nothing less, therefore; but look upon this 
attainment as the highest part of our con- 
formity to the image of Christ." 

^^I cannot certainly say what my Lord 
intends to do with me as to a recovery from 
this wasting; but I have often thought since 
I was taken ill, that it looked very like he was 
to call me home ; for in infinite condescen- 
sion he has been pleased to give me, for this 
past year, such clear views of the methods 
of grace, and opened up the scriptures in a 



' OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 5 

light I never saw them in ; so that I have 
been taught truths, and discerned a depth of 
adorable love and grace in many passages 
that M^ere in a great measure hid from me 
before ; and have been enabled cheerfully to 
embrace this glorious method of grace, as 
all my salvation and desire ; in consequence 
of which, I have tasted a joy and peace in 
believing, that 1 am content to be entirely at 
God's disposal, and to say in all things, ^Thy 
will be done.' '' 

^*^This account of the frame of my mind, 
and joyful hope through grace, I think it 
is my duty to communicate to the praise of 
that grace; and, as an evidence that God yet 
dwells with me upon earth, ^Come and hear, 
all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what 
Tie hath done for my soul/ "" 

Just before he died. 

'' O when shall I see him as he is, in his 
transcendent glory ? when appear before his 
face?'' 



ROBERT AGUIRE, [F. P.] martyred at the stake 
with his Father, at Lisle, in Flanders, A. D. 1556* 

'' Behold millions of angels about us, and 
heaven opened to receive us! '* 



6 DYING SAYINGS 

'''Yet a very little while^ and we shall 
enter into the heavenly mansion/' 



FREDERIC A MARIA ALLEN DORF, [L.] 
Daughter of the First Chaplain of the Prince of 
Anhalt-Cothen, afterwards Minister of St. Ui- 
rick's Church at Halle, in Germany. Died, A. D. 
1758. ^t. 22. 

Under great iceahiess» 

'' My hour is not yet come ; it tarries long ; 
all of you praise God when I close my eyes/' 

''Lord Jesus^ my Saviour! I come to 
thee^ because thou invitest sinners to come 
to thee: only as a great sinner I come; but 
thou hast redeemed me^ and not with cor- 
ruptible gold and silver^ but with thy own 
holy and precious bloody that I might be 
thy own property. Thou hast atoned for 
all my sins; now^ therefore, pardon all the 
sins of my childhood and youth. I confide 
in thy word : if I am deceived, thy word has 
deceived me; but it cannot deceive. Be 
gracious to my troubled parents and sisters ; 
stand by them and strengthen them ; and 
forgive me every thing wherein T have dis- 
obeyed or grieved them. Suffer me not to 
continue in this pain ; but as thou hast passed 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 7 

through painful afflictions^ bring me out of 
mine also. In thy blood am I clean. On 
thee I will live and die. I commit body and 
soul to thee. Lord Jesus^ I live to thee ; I 
die to thee; I am thine living and dead: O 
save me everlastingly 1 Amen." 

On receiving the sacrament, 

''O Lord Jesus ! I confess to thee all my 
sins w^hich I have committed from my child- 
hood to the present moment throughout the 
twenty years of my life. Pardon them for 
the sake of thy cross: and pardon what is 
defective in my repentance. I am a great 
sinner, but thou art the great Saviour. Thou 
callest me to come to thee; I now come^ 
just as I am ; receive me.— -I am now about 
to partake of this holy sacrament for the last 
time: give me power to come to thee.'' 

''Prostrate I thy grace implore; 

Free it is, I cannot doubt. 
Blind or lame, or sick, or poor, 

None that come thou wilt cast out. 
Lo! 1 venture to tbj feast; 
Take me, Saviour, to thy breast." 

'''My pain is very great; but the holy 
communion has so unspeakably refreshed 
me, that I do not heed it. ^ Whoso eateth 



8 DYING SAYINGS 

my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eter- 
nal life/ He hath it already ; and I also 
have it. That is a precious word/' 

After a swoon. 

'^I thought my friend was come to say, 
this very day thou shalt be with me in para- 
dise. O Jesus ! write these words deep in 
my heart, and make them sweet to me in my 
last agony. I have requested this of thee; 
and thou mayest grant it, because thou hast 
promised to grant thy children's requests." 

The day before her death. 

''At last! at last! 

'When thy chariot shall arrive, 
Sent to bring thy servant home. 

How my spirit will revive I 

Come my Saviour, quickly come.' 



cf^ 



Lord Jesus I my help in trouble^ now 
deliver me. Oh ! if I could, I would fall 
down before thee, and pray. Father, if it be 
possible, let this cup pass from me ! Oh ! 
how glad shall I be when I close my eyes in 
death. Often in time of health I have wished 
to be in heaven, and now the hour draws 
nigh/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 9 

*' * In peaceful confidence T keep 

My soul, and close my eyes : 
My shepherd watches while I sleep, 

Why should a fear arise.' " 

To surrounding friends at the moment of her death, 

•' Now all of you, leave me in peace; my 
eyes fail; I can see no longer. — Now, O 
Lord ! come to my help, and be thou greatly, 
greatly, glorified in me/' 



THE PRINCESS HENRIETTA CAROLINA 
LOUISA, of ANHALT-DESSAU. Died, 

A. D. 1795. JEt. 42. 

*^'His time is very near at hand; I will 
wait in stillness till he appears.'' 

*'My sufferings are not to be compared 
with those my Saviour endured. He, under 
his torments was nailed fast to the cross ; but 
I am tenderly turned about in my soft bed. 
To him they gave vinegar and gall to drink 
in his thirst; but as for me, my mouth 
is refreshed with cooling water.'' 

" *Thy thirst and nauseous draught of gall. 
Refresh my soul in every thrall.' '* 

'' O what an exchange 1 how sweet will it 
be to rest from sin and pain in the arms of 
Jesus/' 

B 3 



10 DYING SAYINGS 

JRev. WILLIAM ARMITAGE, [L] of Chester. 
Died, A. D. 1794. 

'^I am now living on the gospel, which 
I have for many years preached to others ; 
but I think my work is done: — still, I am 
willing to do just as the Lord pleases. If I 
might be permitted to chuse, I would rather 
go and see Jesus^ just as he is^ with all his 
scars of honours upon him ; and if 1 should 
go^ I hope God will send his people a man 
after his own heart/' 

His last words ahriiptly broken off by death, ichile. 
engaged in prayer with his wife, 

*^*'Thou knowest^ O Lord, where we are^ 
and what we want; we fly to thec^ for 
we have no where else to go to ; neither do 
we desire to go any where else." 



JOHN ARNDT, principal Minister in the Duke of 
Zeirs Dominions. Died, A. D. 1G21. 

Under depression. 

^^Lord do not enter into judgment with 
thy servant/' 

On starting from a slumber. 

^^We beheld his glory as of the only 
begotten of the Father. — Oh^ what a won- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 11 

derful glory it is! It is that glory which 
eye hath not seen^ nor ear heard ; neither 
hath entered into the heart of any man/' 

Last words. 

'""Now I have overcome/' 



Rev. WILLIAM ARNOLD, [P. B.] London. 
Died, A. D. 1734. iEt. 43. 

^^Now I am going — I am going home^ — 
I am going to glory.'* 

Jlessage to his church. 

''Tell them that 1 am now going to my 
God^ and their God ; to my Father^ and to 
their Father: I desire them all to join in 
praises to God for the exceeding abundant 
riches of his grace and mercy to me : I am 
concerned for that little hill in mount Zion.^ 
They have long been a creditable and reputa- 
ble church ; they are now so ; and it is my 
desire that they may continue in credit and 
reputation after my desease. 1 now take 
my farewell of them^ and commit them to 
the care of the great shepherd and bishop of 
souls. Let them wait on God^ that he may 

* Unicorn yard. 



12 DYING SAYINGS 

give them a pastor after his own hearty to 
feed them with knowledge and understand- 
ing. I desire them to show their love and 
value for me, by uniting in love and affection 
one to another ; and then they may expect to 
meet death with joy and comfort, as I now^ 
do; and so I take my leave of them^ expect- 
ing to see them in a little time; and that we 
shall be companions again together^ and be 
for ever with the Lord/' 

To some friends, 

^'^ You will be asked by the world how I 
went off. You are my witnesses that I 
declare with my dying breath that my firm 
faith and dependence is on the blood, righte- 
ousness, and satisfaction of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, for my acceptance in the sight of 
God." 

Last words. 

^' I am an instance of sovereign and dis- 
tinguishing grace — a brand plucked out of 
the burning." 



Rev. EDWARD ASHBURNER, M. A. [I.] of 
Poole, Dorsetshire. Died, A. D. 1804. ^t. 70. 

**^I used to have doubts and fears respect- 
ing death; but now the sting of death is 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 13 I 

gone; Jesus is precious ; I have no fear as 
to death — that is all gone.'' 

''^ I wait for thj salvation, O Lord ; I have 
got the M^orld behind me, and I am glad I 
have done w^ith it; and I see a greater beauty 
in that promise than ever. — ^ As thy day is^ ^ 

so shall thy strength be/ '' I 

'' 1 have no choice as it respects life or % 

death; I have a persuasion in my own mind 
that I shall die suddenly; the thought is not I 

in the least distressing; whether I live this 
night or not^ be it as the Lord will — I am 
ready to go whenever he calls. I shall 
never again worship him in his house below, 
but shall join in nobler worship above. In 
the time of health I have had many sore con- { 

flicts and doubts; but now^ in the near view % 

of eternity^ I have none. Thus it was with r 

rae when God laid his afflicting hand last I 

upon me; but when restored^ my conflicts c 

and doubts returned: and now I think death 
near^ it hath no sting in it.'' | 

^^The sting of death is taken away. It 
makes no difference to me whether I open §^ 

my eyes on this world or on another.'' I 



14 DYING SAYINGS 

Kev. SIMEON ASHE, Minister of St. Austin's, 
London, [N. C] Died, A. D. 1662. 

^' When I consider my best duties I sink^ 
I die, I despair ; but when I think of Christ, 
I have enough; — he is all, and in all. I 
desire to know nothing but Jesus Christ and 
him crucified.'' 

""^^It is one thing to speak of Christ and of 
heaven, and another thing to feel the conso- 
lation of Christ and of heaven^ as I do,'* 

'^The comforts of a holy life are real, 
and soul supporting. I feel the reality of 
them, and you may know by me, that it is 
not in vain to serve God.'' 



ERANCIS D'AUGY, Martjred at the Stake, at 
Nonnay, in France. A. D. 1546. 

^'Courage my brethren, I see the heavens 
open, and the Son of God ready to receive 
me." 



Miss ANN BACON, Daughter of John Bacon, 
Esq., R. A. Died, A. D. 1809. ^^t. 41. 

"^'I ought not to murmur or even feel dis- 
appointed, while a conviction of the hopeless 
nature of my malady may be designed for the 
good of my soul.'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 15 

'*! understand there is no hope of aiy re- 
covery; but all is well. The Lord's vyIU 
be done. I have done with the world. Oh ! 
at such a time as this^ what reality is there in 
religion !*' 

** *0 Lord! my best desire fulfil; 

And help me to resign, 
Life, health, and comfort to thy will. 

And make thy pleasure mine. 

Why should I shrink at thy command, 

Whose love forbids my fears? 
Or tremble at the gracious hand 

That wipes away my tears? 

Thy favour all my journey through. 

Thou art engaged to grant: 
What else I want, or think I do, 

'Tis better still to want.' " 

^'Thesio:ht of these withered limbs affords 
me solid pleasure; for as I discern the out- 
ward man to decay^ so, through the mercy 
of my Redeemer^ I believe the inward man 
is renewing day by day. 

**^The wise Master-builder is taking down 
the house; but he does it so gently, that the 
tenant hardly perceives it. Yes, the house 
is coming down; but I have a building of 
God, a house not made with hands, eternal 
in the heavens ! — Oh ! how I long to shake 



16 ' DYING SAYINGS 

off this clog^ this body which weighs me 
cloivn to the earth.'' 

In reply to the Rev. Mr, Venn, observing^ ^* Tke 
Lord is your portion," 

^^^ And what a portion he is ! well is it for 

^ me that he is my portion^ for observe what a 

poor feeble^ helpless creature I am ; and yet 

I am commanded to run^ to strive, and to 

fight/' 

*^^ What a mercy it is, that I have not left 
repentance till a dying hour!" 

•|| To her sisters children, 

p: ^^I am going to heaven, and I hope I shall 

meet you there. I love you; I love your 
papa and mama; but 1 love God better; 
and, though it is our constant duty to love 
near relations and friends, yet God demands 
our first love. Love him, therefore, above 
all, and pray to him : go to Jesus Christ who 
is all compassion, and who invites you to 
come and accept of his great salvation." 
'^I am going to my heavenly Father." 

To Mr. Blair, the surgeon, 

'^The worst is my panting for breath: it 
is very oppressive and difficult for me to 
breathe. But I suppose, the more difficult 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. ^ 17 

it is, the sooner I shall be dismissed. I as- 
sure you, I am not alone; my heavenly 
Father is with me," 

''1 bless him that I find him with me 
now: I am in the furnace, and yet I am 
supported/' 

^^I shall be with my dear Redeemer. I 
bless God for all his mercies ; but especially 
for my sickness/' 
'He is my portion/' 

Last words. 
^Allis well/' 



«] 



Rev. C. E. BAGOT, Curate of Clara, King^s County, , 
Ireland. Died, A. D. 1802. 

^'I am happy, inexpressibly happy! I 
never was happy before! I know that my 
sins are all pardoned. I am j ustified threugh 
the blood of Christ. Was I in a trance ? I 
thought I saw heaven: — I am going there. 
Oh! if you knew the manifestations I have 
had of the love of God, you would not wish 
to keep me from glory ! 

To a friend on expressing her hope that he would be 
spared^ 

'"^Oh, do not say sol I could not live 



18 DYING SAYINGS 

after what things I have seen ; but they can- 
not be uttered with human tongue." 

To the doctor on giving a favourable opinion of Ids case, 

'' Living or dying, the Lord's will be 
done; but don't flatter yourself, for it has 
been clearly manifiesled to me^ that I am 
going to glory! 

To a friend. 

''To live is Christy but to die is gain." 
'' Heaviness may endure for a nighty but 
joy cometh in the morning. Christ's blood 
cleanseth from all unrighteousnes : it is all 
of free sovereign grace^ — all of grace." 

On his doctors visiting him. 

''Do what you please; but all I desire is 
the great physician!" 

To his wife. 

''It is not to be told, the love I have for 
you my dear wife and little ones; but I am 
only parting from you for a little; I can 
freely leave you to my God." 

To his wife and sister. 
''I sent for you to tell you that I have had 
a severe conflict ; but I have gained the vic- 
tory through Christ! 



OF ExMINENT CHRISTIANS. 19 

''I am stripped of all my own filthj rags^ 
and clothed in the pure and spotless robes of 
Christ's righteousness^ as a bride adorned 
for the bridegroom. Oh! won't you help 
me to praise God ? to praise him for his free^ 
sovereign^ unmerited^ grace to such a poor 
sinner as I am ? Oh ! for angels and arch- 
angels to shout his praises'." 

To his xcife, 

'^ Don't grieve for rae^ our separation can 
be but short. It has been clearly manifested 
to me^ that you will be with me in glory ; 
that we shall be casting our crowns together 
at the feet of our blessed Jesus. — All I 
desire is^ to die shouting victory !" 

To his family, 

*^' Come join me in 

'Ail hail the power of Jesus's n.uiie !' ^' 

To a neighbouring clergyman. 

^^Ah! Mr. A., you are come to see a poor 
dying sinner! Blessed be God I cannot des- 
pair ; it is not possible to despair with 
what I feel in my soul." 

''Oh^ the riches of the free grace of God 
in Christ, to such a great sinner as I !" 



20 DYING SAYINGS 

On being asked how he was, 

^'Happy^ happy^ swallowed up in God! 
oh^ it is inexpressible^ the love of God ! — it is 
inexpressible! Oh! take care that you give 
all the glory to God; I am nothing in my- 
self — a sinner saved by grace/' 

On being asked if he loved Christ, 

"^'Oh^Ido! I love Jesus Christ; he is my 
Saviour, my brother, my friend, my all!'' 

To his doctor respecting his family, 

^^I resign them freely to God, who, 1 
know will take care of them." 

On singing several hymns, 

'^Come, assist me to extol the praise of 
my dear Redeemer." 

On a retrospection of his ministry, 

''0\\\ is it not an awful thought, that I, 
who have been twelve years in the ministry, 
should but so lately be converted to God ? 
but it is all of grace, free grace! 1 know 
that all my sins are pardoned through the 
blood and righteousness of Christ imputed 
to me. Rejoice with me — ^and again, I say 
rejoice." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 21 

'^ Mourn not for me; I am going where 
there is an exceeding and an eternal weight 
of glory laid up for me/' 

*^^ Christ is all and in all — death has no 
sting/' 

On his manifesting pain, 

^^It is the poor vile carcase; for I am 
h^PPy^ happy in God/* 

^^ Do you see tho glory all around ? this is, 
the dawning of the resurrection. Angels 
are waiting for me! — would I could bring 
you all with me!" 

^"^I am safe in the ark, I am safe in the 
ark! 

^'l never fought such a battle in my life; 
but I am almost at home^ I am almost at 
home! Angels are in waiting for me! — 
would I could bring you all with me! — I am 
blessed!*' 

Last and following words 
'^ — white robes /' 



Rev. JOHN BAILEY, a Minister in Lancashire, 
but afterwards in New England. Died, A. D. 
1697. ^t. 54. 

Last ivords, speaking of Christ, 
^'O what shall I say? He is altogether 



22 DYING SAYINGS 

lovely! O^ all our praises of him are poor 
and low things!— His glorious angels are 
come for me!" 



Mr. JOSEPH BATEMAN, [1.] Student for the 
Christian Ministry, London. Died, A. D. 1824. 

'^Here I am^ month after month : what a 
long time it is! is it not? — O what time 
there has been for this affliction to be sanc- 
tified^ and yet how little has it been so." 

^*God is gracious^ — abundantly gracious. 
I bless his name I can trust in him. Thougli 
he slay me, I will trust in him. I have been 
in great pain for several hours^ but I am not 
complaining. We may speak of our pains 
without murmuring. I can bless God for 
every pain I feel. — Blessed God^ I thank 
thee — it is sweet to be where Jesus is^ though 
in a sick — a dyina; room. We must be tried, 
for through much tribulation we must enter 
the kingdom ; and I do hope I shall get 
safely there/' 

^''When I am weak^ then am I strong. 
God is gracious. O, I will praise him 
while I have any being — Blessed God! O, 
I wish I could speak the praises of my God ! 
His mercies we need every morning.'* 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 23 

^*^Let me have the bible. If I can but 
enjoy half an hour's communion with God^ 
that will set all to rights. How delightful 
will everlasting rest be!'' 



JAMES BAYNHAM, a Gentleman of the Law. 
Martyred in Smithfield, A. D. 1532. 

When half consumed at the stake. 

Ye look for a miracle^ ye Papists^ behold 
a miracle ! I feel no more pain than if I were 
in abed of down; but it is to me a bed of 
roses.'' 



Rev. RICHARD BAXTER, [N. C] Died, 
A. D. 1691. 

To his friends. 

'^You come hither to learn to die; I am 
not the only person that must go this way; I 
can assure you that your whole life be it 
never so long is little enough to prepare for 
death. Have a care of this vain deceitful 
worlds and the lusts of the flesh : be sure 
you choose God for your portion^ heaven for 
your home^ God's glory for your end, his 
word for your rule^ and then you need never 
fear but we shall meet with comfort." 



24 DYING SAYINGS 

^^Lord what is man! what am I a vile 
worm to the great God!'* 

^'God be merciful to me a sinner!'* 

"^"^God may justly condemn me for the best 
duty I ever did; and all my hopes are from 
the free mercy of God in Christ/' 

'^I shall rest from my labour." 

To one who praised his writings. 

^^I was put a pen in God's hand^ and what 
praise is due to a pen." 

''\i is not fit to prescribe [Lord] when 
thou wilt, what thou wilt, how thou wilt.'' 

"^^O how unsearchable are his ways, and 
his paths past finding out! the riches of his 
providence we cannot fathom." 

^''I bless God I have a well-grounded 
assurance of my eternal happiness, and great 
peace and comfort within." 

^' Flesh must perish, and wc must feel the 
perishing of it; and though my judgment 
submits, yet sense will still make me groan." 

'^The consideration of the Deity in his 
glory and greatness^ is too high for our 
thoughts ; but the consideration of the Son 
of God in our nature, and of the saints in 
heaven, whom we knew and loved, do much 
sweeten and familiarize heaven to me." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 25 

^'O how comfortable is that promise, eye 
hath not seen^ nor ear heard ; neither hath it 
entered into the heart of man to conceive the 
things God hath laid up for those who love 
him/^ 

^^I have pain — there is no arguing against 
sense — but I have peaee^ I have peace/' 



BEDE, called the Venerable. An English Saxon 
Divine, Died A. D. 735. ^t. 63 or 70. 

^"^Whora the Lord loveth he chasteneth, 
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." 

"^^The time is come^ if my Creator pleas- 
eth^ that being freed from the fleshy I shall 
go to him who made me; who made me 
when I was not^ and out of nothing. I have 
lived long; the time of my dissolution is at 
hand; and my soul desireth to see my 
Saviour Christ in his glory.'' 



Rev. GEORGE BELL, [S. P.] late of Wooler, 
Northumberland. Died A. D. 1800. 

To one of his elders, 

^'Though I do not enjoy such triumphant 
views in the prospect of death as the Lord 



26 DYINa SAYINGS 

is pleased to grant to some of his people, yet 
I have a good hope through grace. Being 
not yet out of the enemy's ground, the Lord 
may see meet to withdraw the light I have, 
and make me to walk in darkness ; or he 
may be pleased to grant me such a mani- 
festation of his love as I have never before 
experienced. But however this may be, I 
cleave to the Lord Jesus, trusting in him 
for redemption through his blood, which 
will cleanse me from all my sins/' 

^^I have preached the gospel to you for 
nearly twenty-three years, in much weakness 
indeed; but God knoweth, to the best of 
my abilities, having the testimony of my 
conscience, that in simplicity and godly 
sincerity, I have had my conversation with 
vou. I die in the faith of those doctrines I 
have preached to you, laying down this 
mortal body in union with Christ, to be 
raised a glorious body on the morning of the 
resurrection. I have nothing of my own 
righteousness to plead before God. No ! no ! 
I look upon myself as the greatest sinner in 
Wooler. No man knows the wilderness of 
my heart but myself; and I know not the 
half of it; but the blood of Jesus cleanseth 
from all sin.'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 27 

A few horns before his departure. 

"''Oh! how unfit is a death-bed to pre^ 
pare for death, I can scarce at this time put 
one thought to another. — O! beware of 
putting off the concerns of eternity till the 
time of sickness and the bed of death." 



Mrs. ELIZA BERRY, [I.] wife of the Rev. JosepL 
Berry, then of Warminster. Died 1812. ^t 37. 

" A few more rising suns, at most, 
Will land me safe at Canaan's coast.'' 

On seeing her little girl, 

'' There^ I thought I never should have been 
able to give up that child ; but now I can do 
even this, and do it without the least anxiety. 
It is my Father's will that we should separ- 
ate ; his will is mine ; and cannot I leave her 
with him ?^' 

^' I have hope towards God beyond a doubt ; 
and this hope is founded^ not on frames and 
visions, but on a comparison of my state with 
the word of God. There I read, man is a 
poor, lost, ignorant, unholy creature. I both 
believe and feel it. But so efFectually has 
grace wrought in me, that, though lost, I cry 
unto God for mercy ; though ignorant, I go 

c 2 



28 DYING SAYINGS 

unto hirn for wisdom. I find the gospel 
suited to ray state. I look out of myself en- 
tirely : I go as one utterly lost to Jesus Christ. 
I wish no alteration in the doctrine of his 
cross ; I would be saved in the very way he 
has revealed/' 

To an old gentleman^ on asking how she found herself, 

^^ Almost at home! My precious bible! 
True every tittle. I never thought it would 
have supported me thus; but it does. I 
never thought I could have enjoyed so much. 
I have not an anxious wish/' 

To her husband, on being turned in the bed. 
^^^ Ah^ my dear^ it is hard work. Hard, did 
I say? No, I recall that word : it looks like 
repining. It is not hard, but requires more 
than nature to acquiesce in.*' 

To a friend. 

^*^It seems as if there was no enemy. He 
is, as good John Bunyan says, as still as a 
stone. I scarcely think of him. My Jesus 
is all my salvation and all my desire. Had 
I breath, how I could have sung to him in 
the night." 

To her husband, after praying with her. 

'' My dear, you have forgotten to pray for 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 29 

one thing^ — that we may be prepared for and 
supported ia the parting hour/' 

On his expressing the difficulty of the task. 

'' Well, I can do it, and much as 1 love my 
Joseph, I can leave him, to go to Jesus/' 

Last broken words. 

""'Valley — shadow — home — Jesus — peace/* 



THEODORE BEZA, the coadjutor of Calvin. 
Died, A. D. 1605. Mi, 85. 

^^ My reins also instruct me in the night 
season. I have set the Lord always before 
me. In his favour is life. My soul is satis- 
fied as with marrow and fatness, when I re- 
member thee upon my bed, and meditate on 
thee in the night watches.'' 

""'We are his workmanship, created in 
Christ Jesus to good works. '* 

''\ have lived long, I have sinned long: 
blessed be the name of the Lord." 

'' Lord perfect that which thou hast begun, 
that I suffer not shipwreck in the haven V 

'"^Lord, we follow thee, by thee, to thee. 
We follow thee, because thou art the truth; 
by thee, because thou art the way; to thee, 
because thou art the life/' 



30 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. THOMAS BILNEY, martyred A. D. 1531, 

In the prospect of his death, holding his hand 
towards the candle. 

^^\ feel by experience that fire is hot; yet 
I am persuaded by God's word, and by the 
experience of the saints recorded therein, that 
in the flame they felt no heat^ and in the fire 
no consumption ; and I firmly believe^ that 
though the stubble of my body will be wasted, 
my soul shall thereby be purged, and that, 
after short pain, joy unspeakable will fol- 
low/^ 

On going to the stake. 

^*^ The mariner tossed upon the troublous 
ocean, beareth the perils he is in, with the 
hope of arriving at a quick haven; so am I 
now in this sailing ; and whatsoever storm 
I may be in, I doubt not but that, by the 
grace of God, my ship will shortly arrive in 
the haven of happiness; yet I entreat your 
prayers for that purpose." 

To Dr. Warner, a dear friend. 

*^^0h ! master doctor, feed your flock, feed 
your flock, that when the Lord cometh, he 
may find you so doing : farewell, good mas- 
ter doctor, and pray for me.'' 

Last words. 

^' Jesus — I believe!'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 31 

Rev. THOMAS BLTSS, A. B., Vicar of Ashford 
and Yarnscombe, Devon. Died, A. D. 1802. JEL64. 

In an early stage of his complaint, 

'^Christ is my only dependence^ but my 
evidences of a personal interest in hira are 
awfully beclouded; and^ as to present enjoy- 
ments and sensible manifestations^ I am a total 
stranger to them.'' 

^^If death at a distance is so very formida- 
ble^ hov^, O, how can I endure his near ap- 
proach ! How shall I be supported in going 
through the dark gloomy passage'/* 

At a more advanced period, when advised hy the 
doctor not to he afraid, and he might recover. 

''Afraid,^ sir. Afraid ! No, blessed be God, 
my fears are gone, for my hopes are firmly 
placed on the Rock of Ages.'' 

A few days before his death, 

'' I see, I feel that the gospel dispensation 
is exactly suited to my needs. 

^'In such circumstances as mine, what 
could I do without its support!" 

'' Death at a distance used to appear to me 
very formidable ; but, now that I know, I feel, 
and see that I am a dying man, I think of it 
with the utmost composure and calmness. 



32 DYING SAYINGS 

Blessed be God, its sting is gone. My only 
dependence, with eternity full in view, is on 
the righteousness, the atonement and inter- 
cession of Enimanuel. May God's will be 
entirely done as to the manner of my death, 
and every circumstance of it : I really don't 
wish to live. You see the tears drop- 
ping from my eyes, but — they are tears of 
joy — I am going to see the King in his 
beauty ; going into the company of my 
beloved Jesus. I wish to glorify him in my 
dying moments ; and I believe, — yes, — I be- 
lieve, I shall glorify him in heaven , through 
the boundless ages of eternity." 



Rev. DAVID BOGUE, D. D. [I.] Gosport, Hants. 
Died, A. D. 1825. ^t. 75. 

To his daughter f on announcing his speedy dissolution, 

^^ Well, my dear^ the will of the Lord be 
done!" 

^^I know in whom I have believed, and 
am persuaded he is able to keep that which 
I have committed unto him against that day." 



Rev. ROBERT BOLTON, B. D., Rector of 
Broughton, Northamptonshire. [P.] Died, A. D. 
163L iEt.59. 

^^O! when will this good hour come? 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 33 

When shall I be dissolved? When shall I 
be with Christ ?^^ 

On so'me regretting his approaching dissolution, 

'"^If I shall find favour in the eyes of the 
Lord^ he will bring me again^ and shew me 
his habitation; but^ if otherwise^ lo ! here I 
am : let him do w hat seemeth good in his 
eyes/' 

On being asked if he would be satisfied to live. 

"' I grant that life is the great blessing of 
Godj neither will I neglect any means to 
preserve it^, and do heartily desire to submit 
to God's will: but of the two I infinitely 
prefer to be dissolved^ and to be with Christ/' 

On his people icishing to know what he felt of the 
consolations of the gospel, 

^^Alas! do they look for that of me now^ 

who have not breath and strength to speak ? 

I have told them enou^'h in mv ministry. 

But^ to give them satisfaction^ I am^ by the 

wonderful mercies of God, as full of comfort 

as my heart can hold, and feel nothing in my 

soul but Christ, with whom I heartily desire 

to be/' 

To those around him weeping, 

'' Oh ! how much ado there is before one 
can die." 

c 3 



34 DYING SAYINGS 

His last farewell to his friends, from his bed. 

^^I am now drawing on apace to mj dis- 
solution. Hold out, faith and patience; your 
work will soon be ended/' 

Shaking his friends by the hand. 

'^ Make sure of heaven ; and keep in mind 
what 1 have formerly delivered to you. The 
doctrine which 1 have preached to you for 
the space of twenty years^ is the truth of 
God, as I shall answer at the tribunal of 
Christ, before whom I may soon appear." 



Rev. SAMUEL BOLTOX, D. D. [P.] Master 

of Christ's College, Cambridge. Died, A. J). 
1654. ^t. 48. 

0?i being moved in bed. 

''het me alone ; let me lie quietly. I have 
as much comfort as my soul can hold.'' 

To a friend, 

^' Oh this vile body of mine ! when will it 
give way, that my soul may get out and go 
to my God ? When will it be consumed^, 
that I may mount up to heaven ?'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 3^ 

Rev. ABRAHAM BOOTH, [P. B.] London. 

Died, A. D. 1806. ^t. 72. 

*^'Oh^ that I may be submissive to the will 
of the Lord-, whether for life or for death ! 
What an unspeakable mercy it is^ that Christ 
Jesus came into the world to die for poor 
sinners \" 

*^ Oh, that I may breathe after holiness, 
more and more after holiness ; and be fitted 
for the great change whenever it shall come " 

^' I am in good hands. I think I am more 
afraid of dishonouring God by impatience 
than I am afraid of death; — I must go to 
Christ as a poor sinner, a poor grey-headed 
sinner; I can go no other way.'' 

[The above were not, strictly speaking, the 
dying sayings of Mr. B., as he recovered for 
a fetv months from the illness during which 
they were spoken ; but, as they were uttered 
in the last year of his life and in the prospect of 
death, and there are but a few expressions of 
his last hours, they have been inserted as a 
valuable memorial of the state of mind of this 
eminent man.] 

During his last illness. 

''I have no fear about my state/* 



36 DYING SAYINGS 

To two of his friends. 

^^ I now live upon what I have been teach- 
ing others/' 

To a friend. 

^"^ Ah ! Jesus Christ is indeed a good mas- 
ter/* 

To another friend, 

'^ I have often borne you on my heart be- 
fore the Lord ; now^ you need to pray for 

me.'* 

To the S071 of an intimate friend. 

^^ Take care of your precious soul; take 
care that you be not merely half a Christian." 



Mrs. DEBORAH BOWDEN, widow of the Rev. 
James Bowden, of Tooting, Surrey. [I.] Died, 
A. D. 1820. ^t. 74. 

'''O how good is God to me under this 
affliction ! Blessed be his name^ he is un- 
changeable." '' I love his name^ I love his 
word ; I love all that he does.'' 

^^O Lord^ thy will be done! Let me 
either live or die as thou pleasest. Make me 
truly willing to die^ and to bear all thy will." 

" *0! he is coming! he is comiDg! 

I see his beamings from afar, 

I know the bright, the morning star.' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 37 

He is coming in mercy and in truths to 
fulfil his precious promises. I do rejoice in 
his salvation. As my dear William said on 
his death bed^ ^I should be glad to get to 
the bottom of the hill^ and then slip into 
life/ '' 

'^ I have had a sleepless nighty but blessed 
be God;, I have enjoyed as much of heaven 
as I can well bear.'" 

** * Jesus, my God! I know his name. 
His name is all my trust.' 

1 could say so fifty years ago, and say so 
now. There is nothing good in me. O my 
Lord^ the work is all thine own. Come and 
take me to thyself. Lord^ reveal thyself to 
me as thou art in Christ. O heaven ! What 
is heaven ? Who can tell? God will soon 
take me from this bed ; and I hope you will 
all be prepared for it. My dear children, I 
desire you will give me up and be satisfied in 
doing it. I hope you will all welcome the 
summons that calls me home !*' 

Or being told she seemed as happy as God could make 
her. 

^'^o, not quite — He could, if he pleased^ 
open the door and receive me into his pre- 
sence/' 



38 DYING SAYINGS 

On being asked if she was happy, 

'' O yes^ I am very happy, because I am 
very near the fountain of happiness. O ! it 
is a great thing to stand and not be ashamed 
before him, at his coming. I am very happy^ 
only waiting for leave to die.'* 

'' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart 
in peace." 

^^\ have living comforts in dying moments : 
— That is an infallible staff'/' 

^'We are complete in him!" 

Whispering in prayer, 

''^Let me have a little communion with 
thee, if thou pleasest, O my Lord " 

Whan asked if she longed to depart, 
''I do— I do— I shall 

' froai the rivers of bis grace. 



Drink endless pleasures in.' " 

^'He will receive me to glory/' 

** ' That blessed interview bow sweet, 
To fall transported at his feet.* ^' 

Last words, 
''O happy, happy, heavenly happiness!'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 39 

Rev. JAMES BOWERS, [I.] HaverhiU, Suffolk. 
Died, A. D. J 820. ^t. 57. 

Referring tc his place of worship, 
'^1 love to be there. If I cannot preach, 
I delight in the place where his honour 
dwelleth/' 

To his daughter, 

^'^My dear child^ you have now a dying 
father^ but I trust you will soon have a glo- 
rified one/' 

To a Tninister. 

'' I can trust in the Lord^ and not be afraid ; 
and although I cannot boast of those extacies 
which some have experienced^ yet I have a 
well-grounded hope^ which is to me worth 
ten thousand worlds/' 

To his daughter. 

''The Lord Jehovah is my strength and 
my song; he also is become my salvation.'' 

^^I am persuaded he is able to keep that 
which I have committed to him against that 
day." 

'•' Trust in him at all times^ and he will 
never leave nor forsake you^ but will be your 
guide even unto death." 

*^ * O glorious hour, blest abode, 
1 shall be near and like my God!' '' 



40 DYING SAYINGS 

*' * There is a house not made with hands, 

Eternal and on high; 
And here my spirit waiting stands, 

Till God shall bid it flj.' " 

^'Waiting the will of the Lord.'' 



Mrs. SOPHIA BOWERS, wife of the Rev. J. 

Bowers, of Haverhill, [I.] Died, A. D. 1815. 

*^^God has supplied all my natural wants, 
and what I now want are riches in glory.'' 

Last tvords, 

'' Dear Jesus ! — precious Saviour ! — friend 
of sinners ! — precious ! 



Rev. JOHN BRADFORD, Prebend of St. Paul's. 
Martyred, A. D. 1555. 

0)1 receiving the news of his appointed execution, 

'^I thank God for it; I have looked for 
this a long time. It comes not now to me 
suddenly^ but as a thing waited for every day 
and hour. The Lord make me worthy of it. " 

On the offer of life if he would recant. 

^' Life, with God's displeasure, is worse 
than death ; and death, in his true favour, is 
true life.^^ 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 41 

To a young man, a fellow -martyr. 

^' Be of good comfort^ brother, for we shall 
sup with the Lord this night.'* 

*^^ Straight is the way and narrow is the 
gate that leadeth to eternal salvation ; and 
few there be that find it/* 



Rev. DAVID BRATNERD, American Missionary 
to the Indians. Died, A. D. 1747. Mi. 30. 

^^Oh, the glorious time is coming! I have 
longed to serve God perfectly^ and now God 
will gratify these my desires. I long to be 
in heaven^ praising and glorifying God, with 
the holy angels: all my desire is to glorify 
God : my heart goes out to the burying 
place ; it seems to me a desirable place ; but, 
oh ! to glorify God, that is above all.'" 

On a Sunday, 

^'1 was born on a sabbath day; I have 
reason to think 1 was new-born on a sabbath 
day ; and I hope I shall die on this sabbath 
day. I shall look upon it as a favour, if it 
may be the will of God that it should be so, 
I long for the time. O, why is his chariot 
so long in coming ? Why tarry the wheels 
of his chariot ?'' 



4i DYING SAYINGS 

On being asked how he was. 

^'I am almost in eternity; I long to be 
there. Mj work is done. I have done with 
all my friends. All the world is now nothing 
to me. O^ to be in heaven^ to praise and 
glorify God^ with his holy angels !'* 

To his friends. 

^' We part but for a while ; we shall spend 
an happy eternity together." 

On one bringing a bible into the room. 

'' O that dear book ! that lovely book ! I 
shall soon see it opened ! the mysteries that 
are in it^ and the mysteries of God's provi- 
dence will all be unfolded.'' 

Speaking to himself in whispers. 
''He will come; he will not tarry. I shall 
soon be in glory: soon be with God and his 
angels. " 

Rev. GEORGE BRAITHWAITE, M. A., [P.B.] 
London. Died, A. D. J 748. ^t. 67. 

To a brother minister. 

''My dear brother^ I have nothing to 

boast of, far be it from me ; but I bless God 

he has, through his grace, enabled me, in a 

measure, to be faithful. And I look upon 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 43 

it as a singular mercy, that I have not to 
charge myself with a single instance, in 
which I have been left to baulk my con- 
science, as to any one truth of the gospel or 
ordinance of Christ, out of fear, or in favour 
to any man." 

Rev. SAMUEL BREWER, B. D. [I] Died, 

A. D. 1796. ^t. 73. 

*^0 what a world am I going to ! Here, 
all is sin, and all is sorrow; but there, ever- 
lasting joy — Jesus is standing to receive my 
spirit/' 

'' What a mercy to be clothed in the robes 
of the Redeemer's righteousness!'" 

^^ ^^Nevertheless lam continually with thee.' 
Thou hast holden me by my right hand. ^Thou 
shalt guide me with thy counsel, and after- 
wards receive me to glory. Whom have I 
in heaven but thee, and there is none upon 
earth that I desire beside thee.' *^My flesh 
and my heart fail ; but God is the strength of 
my heart and my portion for ever.' " 



Rev. JOHN BRINE, [P. B.] London. Died, 
A. D. 1765. ^t. 63. 

*''I think I am of sinners the chief, of 



44 DYING SAYINGS 

saints the least; I know that I am nothing. 
But bj the grace of God 1 am what 1 am." 



Rev. GEORGE CAMPBELL BRODBELT.Rec 

tor of Aston Sandford, &c. Died, A. D. 1801. 
^t. 41. 

To his wife. 

*^ I am on the Rock Christy and I am safe^, 
' — Christ is very precious.'* 

" * A debtor to mercy alone, 
Of covenant mercy I sing.' " 

^^ If a man puts his trust in Christ and that 
fails^ then all the perfections of God must 
fail also. But though heart and flesh fail^ 
God is the strength of my heart and my por- 
tion for ever/' 

To a near relation, 

'' If people do not live the gospel, they 
cannot expect to die the death of the right- 
eous. What should I do if I had not lived 
it ? — O think much of Christ and his great 
salvation ! — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our 
fathers, all died ; but as to them, so to all 
who are in Jesus, it is only falling asleep. — 
I shall soon be around the throne, beholding 
my dear Redeemer, and singing praises to 
the Lamb for ever. — Lord, bless my wife, my 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 45 

dear children ; bless my family, bless ray con- 
gregation, and provide them a faithful mi- 
nister, — Pray that I may be taken to my 
heavenly Father. — You have not yet resigned 
me — I want to be gone — a child may ask of 
his parent, and I ask to go to Him ; but if 
my wish be wrong, I hope to be resigned : 
and if I recover, 1 shall be only a cumberer 
of the ground/' 

To a friend. 

'' All my trust is in the imputed righteous- 
ness of Jesus Christ/' 

Under temptation, 
'' het me pray/' 

Soon afterwards, 

''li is removed." 

"^^When Satan asaults me I pray to the 
Lord, and he rebukes him ; so that I am kept 
firm. And if this sickness be unto death, I 
think you will see me have this hope unto 
the end." 

To those around his bed, 

'' Live all to the glory of God." 



46 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. JOSEPH BROOKSBANK, [I.] London, 
Died, A. D. 1825. ^t. 63, 

^'^^I cannot tell you how precious Jesus is 
to me^ and how precious his name has been 
to me during all my pilgrimage^ and in the 
most trying hours of my life.'' 



Rev. H. BROUGHTON, [P.] Died, A. D. 1612. 
Mi. 68. 

To those who visited him, 

^' Study the bible. Labour to save one 
another. Be peaceable. Meddle with your 
own matters. Some great judgment will 
come upon this kingdom. Never fear po- 
pery : it shall never overflow again. But the 
course which the bishops take will fill the 
world with atheism. Meddle not with the 
quarreller. Teach not the unwilling/' 

'''Satan has assaulted me^ but the Son of 
God hath rebuked him, and hath spoken 
comfortable words to my soul." 



Rev. JOHN BROWN, [S.S.] Minister and Tutor of 
Theology, Haddington, in Scotland, and author 
of the Self-Interpreting Bible. Died, A. D. 1787. 

'"^The doctrine of grace reigning through 
righteousness into eternal life^ is good to live 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 47 

with, and good to die with. I have met with 
trials as well as others^ yet the Lord has 
always been so kind to rae^ that I think, if he 
were to give me as many years as I have 
livedo I would not desire one single circum- 
stance of my lot to be changed^ but to have 
less sin.— I have often wondered at the favour 
men have shown to me^ but much more at 
the favour of God to so great a transgressor ; 
— O to be with God ! to see him as he is ! to 
know even as we are known ! It is worth 
not merely doing for, but dying for, to see a 
gracious God." 

^' 1 desire to depart and to be with Christ, 
which is far better than life. Though I have 
lived sixty years very comfortably, yet I would 
gladly turn my back upon you all, to be 
with Christ. O, how pleasant to enjoy fel- 
lowship with Christ!'' 

To his iivo sons in the ministry, 

'* O ! labour, labour for Christ, while you 
have strength. I now repent that I have 
been so lazy and slothful in his service. O! 
commend Jesus. I have been looking at 
him for these many years^ and never yet could 
find a flaw in him, but what was of my own 
making ; but he has seen ten thousand faults 



48 DYING SAYINGS 

in me. Justly may he say of me : ' Sixty 
years long have I been grieved with this rebel/ 
and as justly may I add^ *^ Where my sin 
abounded, God's grace hath much more 
abounded.' "' 

'' O hov^ comely and gracious hath Jesus 
been in my sight. Many a kind friend have 
I had, but none like Christ. O labour to 
win souls to Christ. Never grudge either 
purse or person for him. I can say I was 
never a loser by any time spent, or by any 
money given, for him." 

^' If doubting, disputing, trampling on his 
kindness, could have made him change his 
love, it would never have been continued to 
me. Though I have never been left to com- 
mit great crimes, yet he knows the outrageous 
wickedness of my heart, such wickedness as 
would have provoked any but a God of in- 
finite love to cast me into hell/' 

^'The Lord is my strength and my song, 
and he is become my salvation; — God is an 
everlasting rock/' 

Last ivords, 

''My Christ!" 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 49 

Mrs. ISABELLA. BROWN, wife of the Rev. 
John Brown, of Whitburn. Died, A. D. 119b* 
MU 36. 

^^ I have no cause to be weary of the 
world; I have^ on the contrary^ much to 
make me pleased with it; but 1 have long 
been willing to part with all my enjoyments, 
and (glancing her eye upwards), I had 
rather be yonder.'' 

Oh^ the unholiness of my heart unfits me 
for heaven! 

^''Be not peremptory (in prayer) for my 
life^ but earnest for my salvation and my 
experience of the love of Christ." 

'"^ Guilt stares me in the face^ but through 
grace I desire to trust the promises." 



Rev. J. BROWNRIGG, A. M., Curate of Alder- 
sbott, near Farnham, !8urrey. Died, A. D. 1809, 
Three Years after Ordination. 

To some pious friends ivliile he was raised up in bed, 

'' Surely, goodness and mercy have fol- 
lowed me ail my days ; and I shall dwell 
in the house of the Lord for ever." *^*^The 
Lord deals with me in a way of peculiar 
tenderness; he knows my frame^ how weak 
it is^ and that it would be greatly shaken by 

D 



50 DYING SAYINGS 

a succession of rapturous enjoyments or great 
exercises of conflict : therefore, in compas- 
sion, he gives me to see and experience such 
gentle yet rich displays of his love, that while 
I am lost in the heavenly meditation, it sooths 
my heart and produces that desirable calm 
which alone my body would support in this 
very weak state.'' 

On observiiig his friends to be affected, 

^'l only want to weep this once over the 
mercy of my God, and then I will indulge 
myself no more, for I know it shakes my weak 
frame. I hope I have loved to declare the 
truth in the great congregation ; and could 
have wished, had it been the will of God, to 
have died in the pulpit, especially the last 
time I preached, for I felt I should preach no 
more, and then it might have been by my 
death the Lord would have roused some to 
think of the importance of their latter end. 
But such is the hardness of the human heart, 
that unless God had worked by his spirit in 
the hearts of men, all would have been in 
vain. Many at Deptford, after the scene 
with Dr. Conyers, were impressed for the 
moment ; but, upon the concerns and plea- 
sures of this world being presented to them, 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 51 

they returned to their own evil ways ; so it 
might have been with my people. There- 
fore^ notwithstanding that I wished that 
thus it might be, the Lord has wrought resig- 
nation in my soul^ so as to make me content 
to die in this bed, thereby causing me to give 
up my will to his ; although my desire to live 
has been great, that I might continue as an 
ambassador from God to perishing sinners. 
I am willing and ready to depart, — ^I have 
fought the good fight — I have kept the faith ; 
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness/ I am an unworthy servant of 
Jesus Christ ; but he has loved me, and made 
me feel him a very precious Saviour ! Oh, 
the mysterious love of Christ ! — his love is 
free and unchangeable indeed !" 

On his friends making signs of leaving him. 

'' Stay ; I will not detain you much longer ; 
— only let me sum up all in the words of the 
Apostle : ^'This is a faithful saying, and wor- 
thy of all acceptation. That Christ Jesus 
came into the world to save sinners^ of whom 

I am chief. But the Lord is my 

shepherd ! I shall not, I do not want! When 
I pass through the valley of the shadow of 

d2 



52 DYING SAYINGS 

deaths I will fear no evil, for thou art with 
me : thj rod and thy staflF, they comfort me. ' ' 

To oiie of his friends f a few days afterwards, 

^"^Cotne and see me smile ; for I am made 
so happy by such a gentle, though sweet out- 
pouring of the love of God, that I know you 
will rejoice with me/' 

To several friends, 

^*^0h, that I should ever doubt his love ! 
Oh, that I should not have relied constantly 
on his unchanging word ! Jesus is indeed 
precious, — I find him so/' 

To his infant child, 

'' Farewell, my little child. May the faith 
that was in thy grandmother dwell also in 
thee ! Thou little knowest that thou art 
now parting with a father, who would have 
been glad to have lived for thy sake; but the 
Lord sees fit it should be thus." 

On being told of an aged eminent Christian, who was his 
friend, being likely soon to meet him, 

'' Oh, that will be a meeting ! Colonel B. 
will be somebody to meet. Such an eminent 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 53 

follower of the Lamb^ whose light shines 
brilliantly, compared with mine ! I feel but 
a rush-light beside him !*' 



Rev. ROBERT BRUCE, Edinburgh. Died A. D. 
1629, or 1631. Mi, 75 or 77. 

^^ When I was a yoiing man 1 was dili- 
gent^ and lived by faith in the Son of God ; 
but being now old, he condescends to feed 
me with sensible tokens of his favour.'' 

To his daughter after eating his breakfast, 

^' I think I am yet hungry ; you may bring 

me another e^^ Hold — daughter 

hold — my master calls me. [here his 

sight failed him.] Turn to the 8th chapter 
to the Romans, and set my finger on the 
words — 'I am persuaded, that neither death 
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor 
powers, nor things present, nor things to 
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other 
creature, shall be able to separate us from 
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus 

our Lord' now is my finger upon 

them? — Now God be with you my children: 
I have breakfasted with you, and shall sup 
with my Lord Jesus Christ this night/' — He 
then expired. 



54 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. THOiVIAS BRYSON, [I.] London. Died, 
A. D. 1799. ^t. 40. 

^^ I am sinking apace. What can all 
these sensations mean? — My work appears 
to be finished. — The Lord make rae resigned 
to the whole of his will." 

'' O my Father, have pity — w ill a gracious 
God lift up the light of his countenance 
upon me?" 

** Other refuge have I none." 

*^'For whether we live, we live unto the 
Lord ; or whether we die, we die unto the 
Lord ; whether we live, therefore, or die, 
we are the Lord's. — Blessed words! Lord, 
seal home these truths to my soul, and then 

thy will be done!'' ''Lord, take from 

me all doubts, and those gloomy thoughts 
of the grave. Lord keep me from sinning." 

To a friend. 

'^ I am a dying man. — ^Give my love to 
all my dear people, tell them I thank them 
for all their kindness to me; but they can 
do no more for me/' 

Two days before he died, 

''This is heavenly work." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 55 

J^IARTIN BUCER, German Divine, Died at 
Cambridge, A. D. 1551. 

"'Cast me not off, O my God! in my old 
age, now when my strength faileth me. — He 
hath afflicted me sore, but he will never cast 
me off. 

^'I am wholly Christ's, and the devil hath 
nothing to do with me : God forbid, that 
I should not now have experience of the 
sweet consolation in Christ. 



Rev. ABRAHA3I BUCHOLTZER, wlio had been 
a student under Melanchon. Died, A. D. 1584. 
^t. 55. 

'^It hath always been formerly my care, in 
what corner soever I was, to be ready when 
God should call me, to say with x\braham, 
* Behold, my Lord, here lam.' But now, 
above all other things, I should be most willing 
so to answer, if he would please to call me 
out of this miserable life into his glorious 
kingdom ; for truly, I desire nothing so 
much as the happy and blessed hour of 
death/' 



56 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. CHARLES BUCK, [I.] London. Died, 
A. D. 1815. ^t. 43. 

To friends, 

^^Let us rejoice in Christy he has done all 
things well. We shall only part for a little 
season^ and the grand theme of our souls 
will be not unto us. Yes, our wonder will 
be through all eternity that he loved us." 

^' I have often been witness of many death- 
beds of saints, on which they have often said, 
^Is this dying ? ' I now myself experience that 

'' Jesus can make a dying bed 
- Feel soft as downy pillows are." 

'^ Yes, I do feel that Christ is precious to 
my soul; yes, this is our mercy, Christ the 
same yesterday, to day, and for ever." 

^^ Eternity will be unfolding the mysteries 
of his grand and divine purpose of love and 
mercy in the saving of man, and his display 
of the divine Godhead. Oh! how sweet, 
divinely sweet, when we can say, ' It is not left 
to chance, but divine providence.' "' 

^"^Ah! to see our friends in heaven will 
be a happiness; but oh! to find ourselves 
safely arrived in those blest regions — glo- 
rious thought! 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 57 

'^ Sin, my worst enemy before, 

Shall vex my eyes and ears no more.'' 

^""Oh! what a great and glorious salvation! 
sinner saved by sovereign grace/' 

^'Here am I lying on the bed of severe 
affliction, and if it were not for the consola- 
tion which the presence of the Lord affords^ 
what a miserable creature I should now 
be; certainly I have many blessings for 
which I desire to be very thankful ; but 
what are they to a dying man^ when com- 
pared to God^ to heaven^ to an eternity of 
bliss? 

I have loved the bible from my youths 
and I have carried one constantly in my 
pocket ever since the age of twelve yearS;, 
and if it were not superstitious, I would have 
one in my coflSn when I die. But I bless 
God that I have the hope of going to that 
place where the beauties of the bible shall be 
unveiled in their fullest glory. I have al- 
ways read it with pleasure, and I never 
remember perusing any part of it without 
feeling a fresh sensation of gratification^ or 
discovering some new beauty/' 

^^Love God — seek after him — delight 
much in reading his word and in suppli- 
cating his presence^ and you will find he 

D 3 



58 DYING SAYINGS 

will never forsake you, but will be ready to 
succour you. I have sought after him, and 
I can safely say I never knew him to turn a 
deaf ear to my petition. 'Tis true he has 
laid me on the bed of pain and languishing 
— but what of that? His presence makes 
my situation easy, and I would not part with 
his smiles to become a monarch." 

To his wife. 

''We shall sit down at the marriage sup- 
per of the Lamb to part no more,'' 

^'Oh! glorious Lour— oh! bless'd abode, 
I shall be near and like my God.'* 



Rev. WILLIAM BULL, [I.J Newport Pagnell, 
Bucks. 

'^The Lord reigneth, and I am perfectly 
satisfied with his dealings/' 

To his medical attendant, 

"'I shall not continue long in this state ; 
my hours appear to be days; time moves 
slowly; I wish it hastier flight to bear me 
to my rest.'' 

T'o a grandson. 

^^The Lord bless you and give you his 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 59 

Holy Spirit^ and then you will want no 
good thing/' 

'MVith joy we meditate the grace 
Of our High Priest above; 
His heart is made of tenderness, 
His bowels melt with love," 

Last words. 

^" Bless the Lord!" 



TlEv. HENRY BULLINGER, a great Helvetian 
Divine. Died, A. D. 1575. ^^t. 71. 

''\i the Lord will make any further use 
of me and my ministry in his church, I shall 
willingly obey him ; but if he shall please 
(which I much desire) to take me out of this 
miserable life, I shall exceedingly rejoice, 
as I shall be taken from a wretched age to 
go to my Saviour Christ. Socrates was 
glad when his death approached, because he 
hoped he should go' to Homer, Hesiod, and 
other learned men. Ho'w much more do I 
rejoice, who am sure that I shall see my 
Saviour Christ, the saints, patriarchs, pro- 
phets, apostles, and all the holy men who 
have lived from the beginning of the world. 
Since I am sure to see them, and partake of 



60 DYING SAYINGS 

their joys, why should I not willingly die 
to be a sharer in their eternal society and 
glory?" 



Rev. SAMUEL BUNCOMBE, [L] Ottery 
St. Mary, Devon. Died, A. D. 1794. iEt. (JO. 

^'^I will go in the strength of the Lord 
God; I will make mention of his righteous- 
ness^ even of his only.'* 

^^l hope I am able to rely on the great 
salvation of the gospel." 

^*^ As to the sting of death, I bless God I 
feel but little of it. — Blessed be God for 
trust and peace!'* 

Under extreme debility. 

*' A guilty, weak, and helpless worm. 
On thy kind arms I fall." 

Last words to a minister, 

^"^ When I consider almighty power^ ever- 
lasting love^ a complete righteousness.bound- 
less merit, and a well-ordered covenant, a 

finished salvation, 1 dare not speak 

with confidence, but blessed be God, I have 
such a steady hope as the enemy of souls has 
not been able to move/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 61 



JAMES ROBERT BURCHETT, Esq. of Doctors' 
Commons, London. Died, A. D. 1810. Mt. 45. 

To a friend. 

^^ Do not grieve — there is no occasion for 
it; 1 hope as it respects myself^ all is well; 
but it is very probable this may be the last 
opportunity we may ever have of conversing 
together^ and^ as I have several things to say 
to you^ I know you will excuse my sending 
for you at this early hour. You and I^ B^ 
have spent many happy hours together, and 
you will naturally be desirous of knowing 
something of the state of my mind ; but such 
is the weakness of my body that I shall not 
be able to sav much. You see the situation 
in which I am; but I hope I can say that 
I desire to submit with patience and resigna- 
tion to God's will^ and to be very thankful 
that I was not cut off in my youthful days in 
the midst of my sins. I now feel that if the 
important concerns of religion had not been 
attended to before, this is not the time; — but 
blessed be God, Jesus Christ has done all 
things well; his salvation is complete; and 
I desire to renounce all my own doings, and 
to throw myself at his feet as a poor sinner. 



62 DYING SAYINGS 

entirely depending upon his atoning' blood 
and righteousness for acceptance with God. 
''You and I have been walking many 
years together^ and devising many plans for 
the glory of God and the good of souls^ and 
I hope you will long be spared as an instru- 
ment to promote his cause; but, O, do let 
me as a dying man, recommend to you, that 
you look well to all your motives. I now 
see that the best of plans may be formed, 
and the best of works done without the best 
motives. You do not know a hundredth part 
of what has daily and hourly passed in mv 
mind. I have now such a view of the infi- 
nite holiness of God, that if it were not for 
the promise of his word, 1 sometimes think 
I should be ready to sink in despair." 

To another friend, 

^' I know you have been praying for my 
recovery; but the greatest kindness you can 
now do me is, to pray for my speed}' dismis- 
sal from this world of sorrow to a heaven 
ofjoy." 

^^'^I have been now afflicted so long, I 
would rather depart and be with Christ, 
which is far better. While I was able I 
thought upon^ and poured out my soul in 



OF EiMINENT CHRISTIANS. 63 

prayer to God; but my intellects are now so 
weak, I can only offer up a short petition with 
my amen. I have prayed earnestly through this 
affliction for sincerity. I hope I can appeal 
to the searcher of hearts, that I have been 
sincere/' 

''I trust I can say I know in whom 1 have 
believed. My mind is very comfortable — 
my faith is unshaken^ the fear of death is 
taken away. I long to depart and be with 
Christ, — precious name ! 

On one remarking the beauty ofthejields, 

*' Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood 

Stand dressed in living green; 
So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 

While Jordon roii'd between." 

On his wife expressing wishes for his recovery. 

^^No, no! I would not exchange for ten 
thousand worlds^ the glory I have in pro- 
spect.'' 

To his wife, 

'^May the God of Israel bless you my 
dear; — the Lord be your husband. My 
long affliction appears but a moment com- 
pared with the peace of mind I now enjoy/' 



64 DYING SAYINGS 

LADY BURFORD, wife of Lord Barford, after- 
wards Duke of St. Albans. Died, A. D. 180 1. 
Mi. 33. 

''Oh! how happy! oh! how happy! I 
shall be with Jesus ! I shall be happy for 
ever, for ever!'' 

''I am very happy and long to be with 
Jesus." 

'' My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God 
is the strength of my heart, and my portion 
for ever.'' 

Oh, what a dreadful night I have had! 
all is dark around me, and the enemy of my 
soul is harassing me." 

''Write this down, that I have desired to 
leave a testimony behind me, and it has been 
granted/' 

"I know whom I have believed, and am 
persuaded that he is able to keep that which 
I have committed unto him against that 
day," 

"Some one told me heaven was not quite 
ready for me yet; I must wait my appointed 
time, but I long to go and be with Jesus ! 

"Hallelujah ! for the Lord God omnipo- 
tant reigneth." 

"The vision is yet for an appointed time." 

"I know that my Redeemer liveth^ and 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 65 

that he shall stand at the latter day upon the 
earth. And though after my skin, worms 
destroy this body^ yet in my flesh shall I see 
God^ whom I shall see for myself, and mine 
eyes shall behold, and not another/' 

On recovering from fainting. 

'^'^Oh! why did you bring me back? I 
seemed to be going into heaven, and heard 
them singing, worthy is the Lamb that was 
slain to receive power, and riches, and wis- 
dom, and strength, and honour, and glory, 
and blessing.'' 

'' Now 1 know that all is right, I shall 
soon be well." 

^^'I shall be with Jesus, and I shall be 
like him; for I shall see him as he is.'" 

Last woids, 

^"^ Jesus, Jesus !" 



Rev. DANIEL BURGESS, [I.] London, formerly 
of xMagdalen Hail, Oxford. Died, A. D. 1714. 
ML 69. 

'*^If I shall find favour in the eyes of the 
Lord, he will bring me again to see the ark 
and his habitation ; but if not, here I am. 



66 DYING SAYINGS 

let the Lord do with me as seemeth good in 
his ejes." 

"^^I thank God^ I have been dying every 
day in the week with God is terrible majesty^ 
and that the guilty world will find ere long. 
Who can dispute an all-knowing God^ or 
evade his charges? But there is a Mediator^ 
an Emmanuel. O for a Christy or else I die! 
O for that covenanting act to make him 
ours/' 

^"^ Well^ here is all trouble at the gate, but 
when got through it no more, no more/' 



Rev. WILLIAM BURKITT, Vicar of Dedham, 
Essex, Author oi" An Exposition on the New 
Testament. Died, A. D. 1703. iEt. 53. 

Speaking of drinking wine in the sacrament, 

'' But what will it be to drink the wine of 
the kingdom in the kingdom?" 

To a friend on his taking leave. 

''1 shall leave you ; but may the presence 
of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost^ be with 
you. May the presence of the whole trinity 
be with you. I hope to see you again with 
joy at the resurrection of the just. What 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 67 

you have seen in me that is good^ follow ; 
but what you have observed that is not so, 
let not your aflfection to me induce you to do 
it." 

To other friends, 

^^'To me to live is Christy and to die is 
gain/' 

Just before he expired. 

""'Come^ Lord Jesus^ make a short work 
of it/' 



Rev. JONATtlAN BURR, Minister at Harringer, 
and afterwards at Reckingshall, Suffolk, East of 
New England, America. Died, A. D. 1641. 
ML 37. 

On. being asked by his wife if he desired to leave her 
and her children, 

'' Do not mistake me, I am not desirous of 
that; but I bless God that my will is the 
Lord's will. If he will permit me still to 
live with my dear wife and children, I am 
willing. 1 will say to you as the apostle 
did: 'It is better for you that I abide with 
you; but it is better for me to be dissolved, 
and to be with Christ.' '' 

To the same, 

''God will be better to you than ten hus- 



68 DYING SAYINGS 

bands. —Our parting is but for a time. — I am 
sure we shall one da}^ meet again.'' 

^*^ Don't spend so much time with me^ but 
go thy way and spend some time in prayer ; 
thou knowest not what thou mayst obtain 
from God. I fear lest thou look too much 
upon this affliction." 

lo himself, 

''I will wait until my change come." 
'' Why art thou so loth to die ?" 

To his wife. 

*'Cast thy care upon God^ for he careth 
for thee." 

^^Hold fast, hold fast.'' 



Rev. THOMAS BURTON, [I.] HolmfirtJ], 
Yorkshire. Died, A. D. 180 1 . -^t. 26. 

To a friend. 

'^I am stayed upon God." 

To another friend. 

^' We must not fret. — 

"With Christ in the vessel, 
I smile at the storm." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 69 

'' I smile at such storms as these/' 

To his brothers, 

'' Mind religion ; I would not be without 
religion for ten millions of worlds." 

To his mother. 

''\ hate the Devil's drudgery; if I reco- 
ver, I will warn ray people more earnestly 
than ever I have done, and speak to them 
differently about Christ." 

'* Cease fond nature, cease thj strife, 
And let me languish into life." 

Faintly singing, 

** Wide as the world is thy comiiiand, 
Vast as eternity thy love, 
Firm as a rock thy truth shall stand, 
When rolling }'ears shall cease to move." 

Singing again, 

*'0 glorious hour! O hkst abode! 
I shall be near and like my God, 
And flesh and sin no more controul 
The sacred pleasures of my soul." 



# 



70 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. J. A. CADIOT, [F. P.] late Catholic Vicar of 
Gurat and Vaux, in the department of Charente, 
in France, a charge which he relinquished, with 
all its advantages, and all other worldly interests, 
to embrace the Protestant F^ith, in which he soon 
after died, A. D. 1824. 2Eu 27. 

'' May the Lord be pleased to blot out my 
sins^ and I am contented. I am in his hands, 
and all is right.'' 

On being told of his danger, 

'' Ah! what you say gives me much plea- 
sure. Blessed be the Lord! May his will 
be done and not mine! I bless him, i^ it 
please him that I should be removed from this 
world; and I should have blessed him like- 
wise, if it had pleased him to prolong still 
my days here below/' 

^^Itis a very great mercy which he (the 
Lord) grants to me!— though I should have 
loved to have laboured more than I have 
done for his glory/' 

On a friend telling him of his immortal crown, 

^'This crown Jesus has purchased for me; 
and Jesus will strengthen you in your con- 
flict, and crown you also/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 71 

'^'I am going to leave this world ! — Oh^ it 
is not imagination, it is truth : I know it, 1 
rejoice at it, and I bless the Lord for it/' 

^^I know in whom I have believed — I 
know that my Kedeemer liveth, and that he 
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 
and though after my skin, worms destroy 
this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God ; 
whom Lshall see for myself, and mine eyes 
shall behold, and not another/' 

'^I hope that the Lord will cause the 
waters of this Jordan to be dried up/' 

*0/i being told *'he will conduct you to Canaan.'' 

'^I hope so, and I bless my Saviour, who 
has given me such a hope/' 

**" I am on my bed of triumph. The hour 
of my deliverance will soon arrive." 

'^ Soon the Lord will take me from this 
prison of clay to himself/' 

On being reminded of his witness to the gospel. 

^^ I only repent of having been so faithless 
a servant, and for having so little promoted 
ita glory." 

'' What a change will take place in me 
by the passage from time into eternity ! How 
insignificant and miserable appear the good 



72 DYING SAYINGS 

things of this world ! what are its riches — 
what are its honours ! I think that I see 
the enennies of the gospel clap their hands at 
my death ; they will laugh^ — well^ let theni 
laugh : they know not what they do. — What 
a conflict ! Satan shews me my sins to make 
me despair of salvation. He would con- 
quer; but he shall be conquered : my Sa- 
viour will be triumphant." 

To a young pupil, 

'•My dear child^ you will soon be de- 
prived of your instructor ; but recollect the 
advice which I have often given toyou^ and 
which I again give you now : Be wise ; obey 
your parents^ and love the Lord." 

To one who inquired how he was, 

^^ Well^ well; for I am drawing near to 
eternity. I beseech the Lord to give me 
grace to appear before him with my robe 
washed in the blood of the Lamb." 

^^I shall gain the victory." 

'*^ Adieu! I am going to be separated 
from you ; but I hope that we shall meet 
again in the heavenly Jerusalem." 

On being urged to trust in Christ. 
''1 have always put my trust in him; but 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 73 

I feel mj need of it at this moment more 
than ever/' 

To various persons around his bed, 

^^ I perceive that my departure is at hand^ 
and 1 wish to tell you what are the feelings 
which influence me at this moment. I have 
quitted a religion which is full of errors and 
superstitions — I have embraced the Reform- 
ed^ voluntarily, with a knowledge and con- 
viction of its truth. I make this declaration 
in my last moments. 1 die in the peace of 
my Saviour, and I only regret that I have so 
often offended him. If he should restore me 
to life, I promise to labour for his glory, and 
to publish his great mercy towards me. 1 
beseech you, who will survive me, to cherish 
an increased zeal in the service of the Lord. 
I forgive from my heart all my enemies; all 
those who have persecuted me ; and I would 
wish to tell them so myself. I wish that 
they were all here — / ivish that they ivere all 
here! — It was my desire to preach the gospel 
to the ends of the earth ; but since it has not 
been the will of the Lord, may his will be 
done. I am assured that I shall be w ith the 
Lord Jesus; for I have the internal witness 
of it.^' 



74 DYING SAYINGS 

'^The Lord Jesus had not a place where 
to lay his head ; but I havea bed. Soonthis 
house of clay will be dissolved, and my soul 
will fly to the arms of my Saviour." 

On one wiping the moisture from his face. 

''These are tears; but in the kingdom 
whither I go^ there will be none.'* 

In secret prayer. 

'' O Lord, have compassion on me^ and 
receive my soul into thy hands — I feel that I 
shall soon be set free/' 

'' 1 hope that the Lord v^^ill strengthen me 
— I merit nothing; but it is my Saviour who 
merits it for me. It is he^ indeed, who has 
sustained the conflict and gained the victory. 
He has conquered Satan. He has destroyed 
Death and the reign of Death. Yes, he 
has destroyed it; and when we have passed 
through our trial, in union with him we 
shall never die. but we shall pass from 
death, and enter into life. — Oh ! how com- 
passionate is my Saviour, and how inexpress- 
ible is his love ! All my blood could not 
redeem me from one of my sins ; but there 
needed other blood than our's, and the blood 
of an infinite value. It is for me — for myself. 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 75 

that Jesus has shed it; and it is for mj sins, 
for he had no sin/' 

To one who advised him to take courage. 

^'Oh, I take courage, and I enjoy the 
peace of God/' 

^' Yes, thanks be to God, who has given us 
the victory by Jesus Christ, I shall go to the 
arras of my Saviour and my God/* 

'^ Here I know not how to sing the praises 
of the Lord, but there I shall know how to 
sing them/' 

In secret prayer. 

'^ O God ! may my soul flee to thee ! — give 
to it the crown of life! I forgive all my 
enemies. O Jesus, I love thee with all ray 
heart; and I desire to be with thee. Thou 
hearest those who love thee; hear me, O 
Lord! I call on thee upon this bed of sick- 
ness. May my soul flee to thine arms!'' 

'' Oh ! what unbeliever have I been ! How 
many times have I offended my Saviour, and 
sinned wilfully against my God !" 

^^ Satan continues to set my sins before my 
eyes, to drive me to despair, and nake me 
believe that they are too many to be par- 
doned ; but I have imposed silence on him 

E 2 



76 DYING SAYINGS 

in the name of Jesus Christ. I know that 
the blood of Christ blots out all the sins of 
those who believe in him^ nor can the great- 
ness or number of sins outweigh the merit of 
the blood of Jesus. ' Yes^ this is a true say- 
ing/ affirms St. Paul, that ^Christ Jesus is 
come into the world to save sinners, of whom 
I am chief;' and St. John also states, that 
^ the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from 
all sin/ Satan has suggested to me that I 
have need of an auricular confession ; but I 
put this impostor, this father of lies, to 
silence.'' 

^'I have no fear." 

On the sufferings of Christ being named. 

'' What do I suffer, in comparison to what 
he suffered?'' 

On being asked if, with his pains, his soul could hold 
communion with God, 

^^Oh^ ves! it is always ready to hold 
communion with him. My soul has no pain, 
but is in peace." 

On Satan being mentioned as unable to assault him 
ivith success. 

'' He must submit to Jesus ; for Jesus is 
my Shepherd, and no one shall pluck me out 
of his hands.'* 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 77 

^' I have entrusted all to the Lord, and he 
has given me his peace. Nothing else is 
wanting; for one thing, Jesus has told us, is 
needful; and he has made me choose that 
good part, which shall not be taken away, 
1 know not what will become of my poor 
body; but. Lord Jesus, receive my soul, for 
thou hast given it to me. Receive it into 
thy hands. Oh, my Lord, come 1 my Lord, 
come, as thou hast promised!" 

'' How happy I am! There is no person 
in the world happier than myself. Kings 
are not so happy. I have neither gold nor 
silver; but I have that fine gold, which 
Jesus gives to his people, and which no one 
shall take from them." 

On the opeidng of a mornina, 

^' Since the Lord grants me the privilege 
of seeing another day, may I bless him for 
it, and glorify him; and may it sanctify me 
for u}}' trial — O Lord, make me to feel the 
presence of thy spirit ! O Lord, leave me 
not in this distress/' 

■On one quoting, as suited to his experience, the ivords 
of Christ, '« Abide in me, and I will abide in you.'' 

^' Oh yes; it is indeed my experience; it 



78 DYING SAYINGS 

is what constitutes my joy^ my assurance^ 
and my happiness/' 

'' He loves us^ on his part, as tenderly^ 
and much more tenderly, more largely, more 
perfectly than we love him — is it not a proof, 
an internal demonstration, of our election; 
of his having chosen us by his grace to give 
us eternal life? What love this kind Saviour 
has manifested towards us — O what happi- 
ness to dwell in his love! O who can know 
him and prefer the world before him ? Who 
can calculate and hesitate to abandon all, to 
sacrifice all with pleasure, to follow so kind 
a Master?" 

^"^I rejoice in the Lord on account of my 
suffering. I rejoice much, because I know 
that I am going where I shall shortly rejoice 
with great joy, in the mansion of my God. 
It will be far better to be removed from this 
world than to remain here." 

On the Saviour's bestowing the crown of life being 
mentioned to him.'* 

'^ What a blessing if he is willing to crown 
me on the entrance of my spiritual journey, 
when I have scarcely begun my warfare! for 
there are some who have struggled long, and 
whom he leaves still in a state of trial; but 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 79 

the Lord knows all things^ and is acquainted 
with the wants of every individual. Certainly 
he has manifested towards me the greatest 
mercy^ because I have so often offended him. 
I have never made a right use of his grace; 
but^ on the contrary, I have done evil for the 
sake of evil. Oh! how I regret it^ Lord! — 
But I have no more time. O Lord^ thy 
goodness alone can supply my unworthiness. 
Oh! what a blessing that thou hast granted 
to me this mercy; that thou hast not cast me 
into hell; that thou hast preserved me from 
deaths when I had not yet made my peace 
with thee! I know now all thy mercies: I 
bless thee for them^ and shall bless thee for 
them for ever in Christ. Yes^ it is Christ 
who must be blessed. It is in him^ in him 
alone — ^But when we are in him^ we are the 
beloved of the Father^ reconciled to the 
Father by him. — O Jesus, come! come 
quickly! for I am ready to depart. My soul 
is desirous of fleeing to thee^ O my Saviour! 
How happy should I be, if I were in thy 
bosom — with thee — to sing thy mercies eter- 
nally! The man who has health, honours, 
and riches, is not so happy as that man who 
is w ith the Lord. No ! surely ; for of what 
advantage will they be to him ? a little sooner 



i 



80 DYING SAYINGS 

or later he must leave all his wealth, his 
pleasure^ his honours, and his health ; but 
he who loves the Lord, is saved in hope and 
saved for ever/' 

'' We must all expect sickness and death. 
This is a gate through which we must all 
pass; but we must pass it resting upon the 
arms and merits of the Saviour. We all 
need grace and mercy, and without Christ 
we should be all lost. This is my source of 
joy, that I am going to God — not with my 
own merits, with my own works; for I re- 
ject my works, and I have no merit. My 
works are bad — all bad; and I beseech the 
Lord that he will not remember them. I 
beseech him to wash them, and to make them 
white in the blood of Jesus. I hope that he 
will pardon them, and that he will clothe my 
soul with the robe of the merits of the Lamb. 
I have this hope. 1 put my trust in his 
promise, and I believe the word which Jesus 
has spoken, ' He that believeth in me hath 
everlasting life/ This is no empty expres- 
sion ; for the earth can and shall pass away, 
but not one iota of the word of the Lord 
shall pass away without having its accom- 
plishment. What I believe and feel, I w^ish 
that all men believed : yes, I wish that all 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 81 

my fellow creatures, all poor sinners^, expe- 
rienced what I experience — the joy and peace 
which the Saviour has made me to taste." 

^^ These are trials, these are crosses. We 
must bear our cross and follow Jesus. The 
Lord works in us^ and then gives us the re- 
ward, the crown of life, and thus crowns his 
own gifts. For there is nothing good in us; 
nothing good^ but the fruits of his grace^ — 
regeneration, peace^ and the assurance that 
we are the children of God, the Holy Spirit 
bearing witness in our hearts^ and leading us 
to cry Abba, Father. We are no longer 
condemned slaves^ and children of wrath; 
but we have a Saviour; and if Christ is in 
us^ we are born again and sanctified. Christ 
is not an inactive beings but he lives from 
everlasting to everlasting: he exerts his power 
on our souls: he saves sinners; and whoso- 
ever has not him for his Saviour is lost. Oh! 
what a mercy has he granted to us ; and how 
can we, who know him^ refuse to publish 
these things on the house-tops^ and invite 
poor sinners to Jesus?'' 

^'Farewell, my friends! I perceive that 
my departure is at hand/' 

'' My soul experiences a joy and sweet 
peace which Jesus alone can give to sinners. 

E 3 



82 DYING SAYINGS 

Now my sins do not appear before me to 
disquiet me. Oh ! how great would be my 
misery, if I had not known the Saviour! All 
my sins would rise up before me, and I should 
have no Saviour : but it is not so; for I have 
a Saviour, and my Saviour has delivered me 
from my sins : he has blotted them out by 
his blood: he has spoiled me of the filthy 
garments of my sins, and of my own righte- 
ousness, and has clothed me with the white 
robe of his merits. Oh! how happy I am, 
to know Jesus, and to be united to him by 
faith as my Saviour! Yes, he is my Saviour! 
I believe it, I know it! and I have the wit- 
ness of it in my heart by the Holy Spirit. 
Oh! how great is my joy ! I am going to 
him, and shall soon be in his arms — Oh, my 
friends, follow, all of you, the Lord. Draw 
near to Jesus, and walk in his light. While 
it is day, work the work which God has 
given you to do; and make haste, for the 
night Cometh when when no man can work. 
How miserable should I be, if I had waited 
till now to become acquainted with the Sa- 
viour, and to come to him ! The shadows 
of night would have closed on me, and I 
should have been destitute of a Saviour/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 83 

On a Christian friend offering prayer by his bedside ^ 
** Lord Jesus, come^ and receive his soul into thy 
bosom, ^^ his last words were — 

'' Come ! Amen ! ''— 

N. B. It has been found necessary to abridge the 
above interesting article, to which more than 
double might be added. Those who wish to 
obtain the volume from which it is extracted may 
obtain it from Nisbet, London, or Oliphant, 
Edinburgh; it is entitled, **An Authentic Narra- 
tive of the Conversion to the Protestant Faith and 
of the Death of J. A. Cadiot," &c. 



Kev. GEORGE CAMPBELL, D. D„ Principal of 
Marischal College, Aberdeen; Author of **The 
Four Gospels Translated," &c. Died, A. D. 
1796. Mi. 77. 

[Dr. C. died of a stroke of the palsy, which deprived 
him of speech; but we may take ibr his dying 
testimony the words he used about ^ve years 
before, w hen he was seized with a violent illness, 
and expected to die. They are worth recording, 
and stand among a multitude of testimonies^ainst 
the bold assertions of infidels, that ministers ?-do 
not believe what they preach.] % 

*^' God has been pleased to give me some 
understanding of his promises in the gospel 
of his Son Jesus Christ, These I have com- 



84 DYING SAYINGS 

municated to others in my life. I now enter- 
tain the faith and hope of them; and this 
may be considered as the testimony of a 
DYING man/' 



Rev. JOHN CARTER, Minister of Belstead, 
Suffolk. Died, A. D. 1634. iEt. 80. 

To his daughter. 

^* Daughter^ remember my love to my son 
John. 1 shall see him no more in this life. 
And remember me to the rest of my children ; 
and deliver this message to them all from 
me — Stand fast in the faith ^ and love one 
anothe7\'* 

Last words, with which he expired. 

^^The Lord be thanked." 



Rev. JOHN CARTER. [[.] Malti^hall, Norfolk. 
Died, A. D. 1816. iEt. 67. 

^^ If my work is finished^ and my God has 
nothing more for me to do^ I am willing to 
retire; if not, he will raise me up. 

On some comfortable portions of scripture being named, 

^' They are delightful, but I can derive no 
comfort from them." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 85 

To his daughter y on her bidding him remember some 
lines ending — 

''And then O hoiv pleasant 
The conquer o-'s song,^' 

*^The conqueror's song — remember it- 
yes; and I trusty my dear, I shall remember 
it, and sing it too, in a better worlde'' 

'' I am too feeble to anticipate the glories 
of a future state; but if I get through safe, 
the glory shall rest where alone it is due. 
AVhile my breath remains in me, I will not 
cease to speak of my God/' 

To his wife and family, 

'^ What you have seen in my past life, — 
what you have heard before many witnesses, 
1 appeal to, and leave with your consciences. 
I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord! 

* Other refuge have 1 none: 
Hangs m)' helpless soul on thee/ 

'A feeble saint shall win the day, 
Though death and hell obstruct the way.' " 

'' Fear not, thou worm Jacob, I will help 
thee, saith the Lord^ and thy Redeemer, the 
Holy One of Israel/' 



86 DYING SAYINGS 

On a friend expressing a hope he had not forgotten the 
Source of Consolation. 

'' Forgotten ! — sooner shall my right hand 
forget her cunning." 



Rev. RICHARD CECIL, M. A., Rector of Bisley, 
Minister of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, 
London, Vicar oi Chobham, <S:c. Died, A. D. 
1810. iEL G2. 

'' I know myself to be a wretched, worth- 
less sinner, having nothing in myself but 
poverty and sin. I know Jesus Christ to be 
a glorious and almighty Saviour. I see the 
full efficacy of his atonement and grace; and 
I cast myself entirely on him, and wait at his 
footstool. I am aware that my diseased and 
broken mind makes me incapable of receiv- 
ing: consolation: but I submit mvself vvliollv 
to the merciful and wise dispensations of 
God." 

'' None but Christ — none but Christ, said 
Lambert dving at a stake ; the same, in dying- 
circumstances, with his w^hoie heart, saith 
Richard Cecil. ^^* 

* This passage was written for him, by bis request, 
in a book, and feebly signed w ith his left hand a short 
time before his decease. 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 87 

Rev. THOMAS CHARLES, B. A., [C. M.l of 

Bala, Merionethshire, one of the Founders of the 
Bible Society. Died, A. D. 1814. M\, 59. 

'' My flesh and my heart faileth^ but God 
is the strength of my heart, and my portion 
for ever/* 

'^ 1 know not what the Lord intends to do 
with me; but either for life or for deaths I 
am in his hands; he is a good Master^ and 
he may do with me what he pleases: I have 
given myself to him a thousand times/' 

O/i several of his family being ill with him, 

'' The Lord seems to have his rod in the 
family, but it is the rod of a Father/' 

To a friend. 

'^ You see we are here in the furnace; but 
after we have suffered awhile, we shall come 
out purified.'' 

To one who sat up with him. 

"" Charles is a poor sinner — nothing but a 
poor unworthy sinner : — I know I cannot be 
saved without forgiveness ; but there is for- 
giveness with God/' 

^' I have settled the few things I had of 
this world, and I have committed my soul to 



88 DYING SAYINGS 

the Lord. ^ I know in whom I have believed, 
and anri persuaded he is able to keep that 
which I have committed unto him against 
that day,' '' 

To a minister, 

^'When I reflect on my sinfulness^ my 
suffering is as nothing." 

On the loss his death icould occasion being named to him, 

'' Be not over-anxious, for our Lord is able 
to raise up hundreds of servants, more faith- 
ful and successful than I have been/' 

To a friend, 

''\ have been thinking where heaven is, 
and how I should find the way thither; — 
but why should I trouble myself? The 
Lord will send some kind angel to shew mc 
the way/' 



^^Thoiigh heart and flesh fail, God is the 
strength of my heart and my portion forever." 



^' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant de- 
part in peace, according to thy word; for 
mine eyes have seen thy salvation/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 89 

On one adjusting his pillow, 

'' 1 thank you sincerely for all the trouble 
you have had with me; and though 1 shall 
not have it in my power to make you amends^ 
yet this I can leave with you^ ' Inasmuch as 
ye have done it unto one of the least of these 
my brethren, ye have done it unto me/' 

To his ivife, 

^' WelL my dear, should I die, and leave 
you, the Lord still lives to take care of you 
— he cannot die." 

Last words, 

^' There is a refuge/* 



Rev. jean CLAUDE, Minister of Charenton, 
France, [F. P.] Died, at the Hague, in Hol- 
land, a Refugee, A. D. 1687. ^L 63. 

To a brother minister, 

'' Sir, I was desirous to see you, and make 
my declaration before you. I am a misera- 
ble sinner before God. I most heartily be- 
seech him to shew me mercy for the sake of 
our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope he will hear 
my prayer. He has promised to hear the 
cries of repenting sinners. I adore him for 



90 DYING SAYINGS 

blessing my ministry. It has not been fruit- 
less in his church ; it is an effect of God's 
grace, and I adore his providence for it." 

'' I have carefully examined all religions. 
None appear to me worthy of the wisdom of 
God^ and capable of leading man to happi- 
nesSj but the Christian religion. I have 
diligently studied Popery and the Reforma- 
tion. The Protestant religion^ I thinks is 
the only good religion. It is all found in 
the Holy Scriptures^ the word of God. From 
this^ as from a fountain, all religion must be 
drawn. Scripture is the root, the Protest- 
ant religion is the trunk and branches of the 
tree. It becomes you all to keep steady to it.'' 

Ou the minister speafcing of his labours, 

'^ Ah ! break off; let us not speak of praises 
at a time w^hen moments are so precious, and 
when they ought to be employed to a better 
use/' 

To his ivife. 

'' I am going to my God, and I leave you 
in his hands in a free country. What can 1 
desire more, either for you or myself." 

^' My wife, I have always tenderly loved 
you. Be not afflicted at my death. The 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 91 

death of the saints is precious in the sight of 
Ged. In jou I have seen a sincere piety. I 
bless God for it. Be constant in serving him 
with your whole heart. He will bless you. 
I recommend my son and his family to you^ 
and I beseech the Lord to bless you.'* 

To his son, also a minister. 

^''Son^ you have chosen the good part. 
Perform your office as a good pastor^ and 
God will bless you. Love and respect your 
mother. Be mindful of this domestic;'' an 
old servant who was kneeling by his bed — 
^^ Take care she wants nothing as long as she 
lives. I give you all my blessing.'' 

To a brother minister about to jnai/. 

'' Be short — I am so oppressed that I can 
onlv attend to two of the e:reat truths of re- 
ligion — the mercy of God, and the gracious 
aids of his Holy Spirit." 

To a friend. 

'' I know in whom I have believed ; and 
I am persuaded he is able to keep that which 
I have committed unto him against that day." 

To a brother minister, 
'^Mj whole recourse is to the mercy of 



92 DYING SAYINGS 

God I expect a better life than this 

. . . help to fortify my meditations by your 
prayers." 

To his son, 

'^ Son^ our Lord Jesus Christ is my only 
righteousness; I need no other; he is all- 
sufficient." 



Rev. THOMAS COLE, M. A., [N. C] Priucipal 
of St. Mary Hall, Oxford, afterwards Minister 
of Silver Street, London. Died, A. D. 1697. 

iEt. 70. 

""'This is one thing that I am convinced 
of, that it is a foolish thing to seek for the 
justification of a sinner^ without satisfaction 
to the justice of God : which nothing can do 
but the righteousness of Christ imputed to 
him. While justice remains unsatisfied^ it 
will overthrow^ all other grounds of hope for 
justification^ that we can conceive from our 
own works and doings. The justice of God 
strikes the sinner under the curse^ and so 
leaves him in a condemned state. It would 
be miserable dying if we had nothing else to 
ground our hope of eternal life upon : better 
never have been born. But that shows us a 
more clear, a more abundant entrance into 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 93 

the kingdom of God, by the way of Christ's 
righteousness; there we meet with no ob~ 
structionS;, or pull-backs. The devil^ the 
law may meet us, yet cannot hinder us from 
entering into heaven through that righteous- 
ness, or frame objections against it. They 
can frame many objections against our's. — 
We shall be sure to meet with the devil and 
conscience^ with wicked men and the law too^ 
in our w^ay to heaven: and we can deal with 
none of them^ but by that righteousness that 
hath satisfied all. Bring that along with us^ 
and they will all fly before it. If a sinner comes 
in his own righteousness^ "^shut him out/ says 
God, saith the law' says conscience, saith the 
devil; but when one comes clothed with the 
righteousness of Christ, ' let him in/ says 
God, says conscience, saith the law — let the 
devil speak a word against it if he dare. The 
truth is, it is high time to let go the world, 
to let go the creature, to let go all of man, 
and purely venture, by faith, upon Jesus 
Christ, to secure the way to heaven : without 
which we have no hope ; for we have nothing 
else to venture upon but that anchor within 
the vail : if we cast it forth, it will hold." 

^*^ I repent I have been no m-ore vigorous 
and active in defending those truths, in the 



94 DYING SAYINGS 

confidence of which I die: and if I have 
any desire to live, it is that I may be further 
serviceable to Christ, in vindicating his 
name in the pulpit. But he can defend his 
own truth, when his poor creatures and mi- 
nisters, who contended for them (as well as 
they could) are laid in the dust/' 

^' I should not dare to look death in the 
face, if it were not for the comfortable as- 
surance that faith giveth me of eternal life in 
Christ — were it not for the comfortable 
and abundant flowing-in of that life ; not 
what I bring to Christ, but derive from him, 
having received some beginnings of it, which 
I see springing up to eternal life. Nothing 
can shuffle out the covenant of grace but a 
secret conversing with a covenant of works. 
We caimot look upon these things with a 
true belief, if we do not shew forth our faith 
by our works: neither can we look upon 
that faith to be saving and of the right kind , 
that doth not dispose a believer to all prac- 
tical holiness whatsoever. As his light 
Cometh, he striveth to come up to the light 
of his conscience, and wherein he falleth 
short, (as he does) his only refuge is to fly 
to Christ and free grace, for the pardon of 
all sin. They do not know the constraining 



OF EMIxXENT CHRISTIANS. 95 

power of the love of Christ, who can be 
wicked and licentious under such a comfort- 
able doctrine. None feel the power of it 
but those whom God enableth to believe^ 
and it will be abused bj every one that does 
not believe it." 

'' I wait for a peaceable dismission ; I long 
to see his salvation — ere long I shall be where 
I shall be free from all pain. I would not 
live always; I long to be with Christ in 
Paradise. — Man goeth to his long home, 
and the mourners go about the streets — Pray 
that my eyes may be closed in the shades of 
death — The Spirit says come^ and the bride 
saith come, O come ! Lord Jesus^ come 
quickly ! — Father, not my will, but thine be 
done/' 

''\ would have all the world know that 
the doctrine I have been preaching I would 
gladly die in.'' 

^^'My desire is that God would do his own 
will, and glorify his name, either by my life 
or by my death ; and that is the best disposal 
of me that God himself can make. I submit 
to his will in it." 

^' To rise for a little while^ is but a sorry 
rising \ but to rise to go to bed no more, is a 
glorious resurrection; then we shall ever be 



96 DYING SAYINGS 

with tlie Lord. It is well for us our souls 
do not stand upon the same terms with God 
as our bodies do; for they must die; but 
eternal life possesseth the soul, and will never 
leave it. — I long to be in eternity, among 
the spirits of just men made perfect, to see 
what they are doing there ; they are better 
employed than we here, but God's time is 
my time. My w ork is done, if his is. We 
cannot tell how to manage our frail bodies : 
we either overdo or undo : hard to hit the 
right mean : tumble they must, and they 
never cease rolling till they come to the 
dust. Christ stands by and sees the body 
suffering death ; though he died, it was not 
that our bodies should not suffer death. 
Christ tasted death to shew us what death 
could do— we taste but a little, but Christ 
swallowed down death : he is the great Con- 
queror over death. All that the devil and 
wicked men can do is to cast the body into 
the grave, but he hath not power to cast one 
believer into hell. If Christ had not gone 
into the grave before us, it would have been 
a dismal place to have stept into; but he 
hath walked through that dark valley. — No 
man is against his gain ; if we did but believe 
that to die was gain, persons would not be 
so afraid of it/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 97 

^' God can make the want of ordinances 
the greatest ordinance to you. If God takes 
away ordinary helps^ he gives cause to his 
people to fear^ lest he should take away 
himself^ and withdraw from them. You are 
not to be guided by any man's opinion in 
your walking through this worlds but keep 
close to the rule. Some persons think to 
lick themselves whole by their own moral 
righteousness; but it is the ready way to die 
in horror of conscience. If you have any 
sins unpardoned^ carry them to free grace: 
it knows how to blot them out. — When God 
hath brought over our hearts to believe in 
Christ, we have done with all doubts, we are 
come to a point — As it is our duty to live by 
faith, so we cannot reach God, nor see his 
glory, nor come to any inward enjoyment, 
but in a way of believing. — If God raise up 
our hearts to apply Christ to ourselves, that 
we may be able to say, he hath loved me, 
and given himself for me; then, and not till 
then, have we true grace and joy. Blessed 
be God, he hath called me to his heavenly 
kingdom. I bless God for what he hath 
done for my spirit: I give up my body to 
him, let him do with it what he pleaseth; 1 
love to be with Christ. — It is a pleasant thing 



98 DYING SAYINGS 

to die; I am waiting for thy salvation. — A 
believer cannot but long for that which is 
pleasant.— God hath many ways to exercise 
these bodies of ours ; we must through many 
tribulations enter into the kingdom of God ; 
and this one of those many tribulations God 
has laid upon me'* — 

^' You are come to hear my last dying 
groans ; but know when you hear them, it is 
the sweetest breath that ever I drew, since I 
knew Christ. I bless God I am going where 
I shall want nothing. I have a promise I 
shall be ever with the Lord. Christ is gone 
to prepare a place for me, and I am satisfied 
I long for death, as a weary traveller doth 
for his rest: nothing troubles me but life: 
and nothing will relieve me but death : but 
let God do with me what he will ; all he does 
is best.'' 

'*^I quickly shall sleep and wake in an 
eternal day. Ere long my days and nights 
will all be one. How soon is nature over- 
set by the God of nature, unless the God of 
grace stand by to support it : a finite creature 
could not endure, if everlasting arms were 
not underneath. I shall quickly be with 
Christ in Paradise, where Christ giveth his 
Spirit, his eternal Spirit; no spirit will keep 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 99 

grace with that. — God hath strange ways of 
blessing his people with eternal life/' 

'' I am as sure of the doctrine of justifica- 
tion by Christ's imputed righteousness^ as 
ever I was of any thing/' 

'^ The gospel of our salvation is a gospel 
of free grace; and they that would have it 
otherwise^ may gather up what they can, 
and go boasting to heaven's gates, but they 
will be turned back. God hath called us by 
his grace to his kingdom of glory ; if we did 
not go by the door of grace^ we should not 
find the door of the kingdom of glory: the 
saints have not one thought of heaven, but 
what free grace suggests to ihem. It never 
enters into their minds to conceive such a 
thing; but free grace openeth the door, and 
they see such things as ear never heard, nor 
did enter into the heart of man. — God will 
not let the world know what he doth for 
believers: but other believers look on and 
see something ; but for others that take little 
notice of God, God takes as little notice of 
them/' 

'' The apprehension that faith gives me of 
a belter Hie is my comfort : and as for going, 
God can make it no loss to vou, nor loss to 
me; and that vviil be a blessed returo yf 

f2 



IflO DYING SAYINGS 

prayer. God can set on and take off his 
workmen when he pleaseth/' 

On being asked what he would have his people pray for? 

^"^ Nothing for me, but a strong faith in 
Christ Jesus, I desire nothing more; when 
he gives that, that faith will take all the rest." 

'"^ I have done with all other satisfaction 
that what God in Christ can give; I live 
and die in the hopes of that. If we had not 
the hope of the glory of God, this world 
would moulder away, as poor and despica- 
ble. — I long for God to speak the word : it 
is better to be with God than here. We look 
here, and look there; but when all is set be- 
fore us, then we see that in the mysteries of 
God that we never saw before : all is made 
out, God loveth to be with those that love 
to be with him. He takes it kindly ; it is in 
vain for God to put off a soul that seeks him, 
his kingdom and righteousness with lesser 
things; that cannot be, he knoweth. — I long 
to be with him, and he will not keep me long 
from him ; I shall quickly slip into an eternal 
day." 

'^ Pray that God would only glorify him- 
self; his own name, in my life or death." 

'^ Time passeth away into eternity, where 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 101 

there is no end : I am coming down to the 
dust of death/' 

^' We live but dying lives in the body; 
they are but short recoveries at any time that 
we have^ till death be swallowed up^ of life. 
I long to be immortal • it is a mean thing to 
live a dying life/' 



Rev. JOHN CONDER, D. D, [I.] Died, A. D. 
1781. ^t. 07. 

To a brother minister, 

''^ Well, my dear brother, it is now over 
with me for this life. I must leave you to 
take care of the church, and doubt not but 
the Lord will be with you. How long 1 
may have to suffer in this way^ ere I get my 
dismission, I cannot say : I desire to leave it. 
But I bless God, I can say with Dr. Grosve- 
nor, that I have no doubt hut that all things 
are rightly settled between me and my Master; 
and all that I am noiv concerned about is to 
take a decent farewell of the worlds 



"^'Had I my life to spend over agairi^ I 
would preach the same gospel, for it is the 
truth of God : I would neither change gos- 
pel nor state with any one." 



102 DYING SAYINGS 

To his children. 
^^God is our refuge and strength, a very 
present help in trouble; I have found him 
so, and if }0u fear and trust him, you will 
find him so too/' ^*^ Those who eve Provi- 
dence, shall never want a Providence to eve/' 



Rev. JOHN COTTON, Fellow of Emanuel Col- 
lege, [N. C] Minister of Boston, Lincolnshire, 
and afterwards of Boston, New England. Died, 
A. D. 1652. iEt. 67. 

*^I have now through grace been more 
than forty years a servant of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and have ever found him a good 
Master.'' 

On one wishing God to grant him the light of his 
countenance, 

'^God hath done it already, brother.'' 



Rev. GEORGE COWIE, Huntley, near Bamff, 
in Scotland, [I.] Died, A. D. 1805. Mu 56. 

Oil being told that he had little cause to be afraid. 
'' I hope so; and yet seeing myself verging 
on a vast eternity, and just ready to enter it, 
I require all the certainty attainable in this 
life respecting my faith and hope, therefore 
let me examine. I know that man is inclined 
to take all on trust; which I fear will bring 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 103 

a woful disappointment upon niost of those 
who do so/' 

On being asked if he thought he tcould be forsaken 
after his past experience* 

'' If that thought were allowed to enler 
ray mind, I should soon become a terror to 
myself and to all around me; yet how can I 
but raourn^ when the promises of the gospel 
are not accomplishing in me.'' 

" I am well ; all is now settled • my only 
remaining wish is to be relieved from this 
prison— this state of inactivity, and to be 
present with the Lord/' 



TH03IAS CROMWELL, Earl of Essex. Executed 
on political accounts, A. D. 1541. 

To the people, from the scaffold. 
'' I am come hither to die, and not to purge 
rnyself, as some perhaps may expect that I 
shall ; for if I should so do^ I were a very 
wretch. I am by the law condemned to die; 
and I thank my Lord God who hath ap- 
pointed me this death ; for I have lived a 
sinner, and offended my God, for which I 
earnestly ask him forgiveness. 'Tis unknown 
to many of you that I was a great traveller; 
and being but of mean parentage, was called 
to high estate; and now I have offended my 



104 DYING SAYINGS 

prince^ for which I heartily ask him forgive- 
ness. 1 desire you to pray for me as long as 
life remaineth, I may waver nothing in my 
faith /^ 

Last 'prayer. 
^^ O Lord Jesus, which art the only health 
of all men living, and the everlasting life of 
them which die in thee, I, wretched sinner, 
do submit wholly to thy blessed will; and 
being sure that thing cannot perish which is 
committed to thy mercy, willingly now I 
leave this frail and wicked flesh, in sure hope 
that thou wilt in better wise restore it to me 
again at the last day, in the resurrection of 
the just. I beseech thee, most merciful Lord 
Jesus Christ, that thou wilt, by thy grace, 
make strong my soul against all temptations, 
and defend me with the buckler of thy mercy 
against all the assaults of the devil. I see 
and know that there is in myself no hope of 
salvation; but all my confidence, hope, and 
trust, are in thy most merciful goodness. I 
have no merits or good works that I may 
allege before thee. Of sins and evil works, 
also, I see a great mass. But yet, through 
thy mercy, I trust to be in the number of 
them to whom thou wilt not impute their 
sins, but wilt take and accept me for righte- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 105 

ous and just^ and make me an inheritor of 
thy everlasting kingdom. Thou^ merciful 
Lord, wast born for my sake; didst suffer 
hunger and thirst for my sake; didst teach^ 
pray, and fast for my sake; all thy holy ac- 
tions and works thou didst perform for my 
sake; thou didst suffer most grievous pains 
and torments for my sake; finally, thou 
gavest thy most precious blood to be shed 
upon the cross for my sake. Now, most 
merciful Saviour, let all these things profit 
me, that thou hast freely done for me; who 
hast also given thyself for me. Let thy blood 
wash away the spots and defilements of my 
sins. Let thy righteousness hide and cover 
my unrighteousness. Let the merits of thy 
passion and bioodsheddiog be satisfactory 
for my sins. Give me. Lord, thy grace, that 
my faith waver not, but be firm and constant 
to the end; that my hope in ihy mercy, arid 
life everlasting, may not decay ; that my love 
wax not cold; finally, that the weakness of 
my flesh be not overcome with the fear of 
death. Grant, O most merciful Father, 
that when death shall close the eyes of my 
body, the eyes of my soul may still look upon 
thee ; and when death hath taken away the 
use of my tongue, my heart may cry unto 

F 3 



106 



DYING SAYINGS 



thee^ Lord^ into thy hands I commend my 
soul! Lord Jesus^ receive my soul! Amen'' 



Rev. SAMUEL CROOK, Preacher to the Ho- 
nourable Society of Cray's Inn, afterwards Pas- 
tor at Wrington, Somerset. Died, A. D. 1G49. 

'^ Lord^ cast me dow^n as low as hell in 
repentance^ and lift me up by faith to the 
highest heavens in confidence of thy salva- 
tion.'' 

On alluding to Christ* s nativity* 

''^ For me was that Child born; unto me 
was that Son given; who is Wonderful^ 
Counsellor^ the Mighty God, the Everlasting 
Father^ the Prince of Peace !'' 



GASPER CRUCIGER, an eminent German Di- 
vine, who assisted Luther in translating the Bible. 
Died, A. D. 1548. ML 45. 

^*^0 God, I call upon thee in confidence 
of thy Son; though with a faint faith, yet 
with some faith : and 1 am encouraged so to 
do, for I see him in glory whom I have fol- 
lowed in grace.'' 

" * Besides God's love nothing is sure. 
And that for ever doth endure.* ** 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 107 

Rev. mSDOX DARRACOTT, [I.] Wellington, 
Somersetshire. Died, A. D. 1759. ^t. 42. 

^^I am going to Jesus whom I love and 
whom I have so often preached." 

"^^Come^ Lord Jesus^ come quickly.^* 
^' O what a mercy is it to have such a rock 
to build on as the Lord Jesus Christ! I have 
found him to be a firm rock that will never 
fail. What a mercy it is to have a covenant 
God to fly to! A covenant that is ordered 
in all things and sure^ which is all my salva- 
tion and all my desire. I have found him 
to be a covenant keeping God." 

To his wife, 

*^^My dear^ do you speak of the goodness 
of God towards me, for I want a tongue to 
do it. I do not want a heart to praise him; 
sure I don't." 



'^How good is God! he is all praise, all 
love, all goodness/' 

To those about him, 

'' Hold on to the end. I trust I have be- 
gotten you in Christ Jesus. May the Lord 
pour down plentifully of his Spirit upon you ! 

What attendants have I got! Jesus 

is with me. Angels are my guardians. The 



108 DYING SAYINGS 

blessed Spirit is my comforter and supporter : 
and you^ my dear Christian friends, waiting* 
on me; and my dear wife. But don't think 
highly of me ; for if you have seen a great 
deal of grace in me^ you have also seen a 
great deal of corruption." 

To a friend. 
^^\ have often sat with you at the table of 
the Lord here^ but I am now going to sit 
around his board above. Those were days 
in which I took delight." 

On the apothecary giving but Utile hopes of his life. 
^^AU is well. Blessed be God, I knov; 
whom I have believed, and can rely on the 
promises. They are all mine^ especially that, 
I will never leave thee nor jorsake thee, and 
I am sure he will not.'* 



^^O what a good God have I in and 
through Jesus Christ! I would praise him^ 
but my lips cannot. Eternity will be too 
short to speak his praises." 

To the Apothecary, 

'^O^ Mr. K.^ what a mercy is ii to be 
interested in the atoning blood of Jesus ! You 
tell me I am dying; how much longer do 
you think it will be ? All is well ! I 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 109 

am ready. This, sir^ is agreeable to the doc- 
trine I have at all times preached, that I now 
come to the Lord as a vile sinner, trusting 
in the merits and precious blood of my dear 
Redeemer. O grace, grace, free grace!'' 

To a Christian friend. 

'' O, I am glad to see you. You are some 
of the first fruits of my labours. Never fear. 
Your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. 
O, could I tell you what I now feel ! No 
tongue can tell what I now enjoy! I want 
to be gone! O glory, glory, glory !*' 

On icishing to see his people, but being prevented. 
'^'^Well, you must sew up my lips, or tie 
my tongue, if I must not speak of Christ. 
If you will not let me see my dear people, be 
my trumpeters to tell them what God has 
done for my soul. 1 told you in my scripture 
marks, that my last work on earth should be 
praying for my people ; and now w ould I 
pour out my whole soul in ardent prayer to 
God for them." 

On being told he was on the borders of glory. 

'' I could not have thought it, had not 
the doctor and Mr. K. told me so, the pas- 
sage is so easy." 

:a shall behold HIM face to face." 



110 DYING SAYINGS 

^^ What a mercy is it to be in Christ ! O 
precious^ precious Jesus ! Now I am hoping 
and believing, rejoicing and triumphing too." 

To his wife. 

^*^ My dearest, why do you weep? You 
should rejoice. Rely on the promises. God 
will never forsake you. All his promises are 
true and sure. Well, I am going from weep- 
ing friends to congratulating angels and re- 
joicing saints in glory.'* 

'*^He is coming! he is coming! Butsurely 
this can't be d ving — can't be death ! O how 
astonishingly is the Lord softening my pas- 
sage! Surely God is too good to such a 
worm! O speed thy chariot wheels ! Whj 
are they so long in coming? 1 long to be 

gone.*' 

Last words, 

''—Faith and hope—" 



Rev. ARNOLD DAVIES, [I.] Rhosrr.arket, 
Pembiokesbiie. Died, A. D. 1814. Mu 42. 

*' * In the world of endless ruin 
Let it never, Lord, be said, 
Here's a soul that perished, suing 
For the boasted sinner's aid.' " 

0)1 expressing a wish to preach to his people, 

'^ I would sound aloud in their ears the 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. Ill 

glories of Christ, and tell them of his power 
to save to the uttermost.'* 

On being told of some of his people wishing to see him, 

^' Let them come in; perhaps something 
may fall from my dying lips that will do 
them good when I am in a world of spirits : 
and though my feeble frame should be hurt 
by exertion, I had rather wear out than rust 
out.'^ 

On being asked if he felt pain y as he wept. 

^^'No^no; these are tears of joy. The 
greatest pain 1 have felt was occasioned by 
a dark cloud, which came between me and 
my God : but, blessed be his name ! the Sun 
of Righteousness has risen again ; and this 
has been a precious sabbath morning to me, 
far more so than I am able to express! This 
is a foretaste of that sabbath I hope to enjoy 
in the kingdom of my dear Redeemero'' 

'' This is probably the last sabbath I shall 
spend with you, and I am willing to hope, 
that what I now say will have more effect 
than many a sermon in times past.'' 

'' Who can tell but that, in a little time, I 
shall see Abraham and Isaac and David^ 
Matthew and Mark, with all the apostles 
and martyrs who sealed the truth with their 
blood? There would I wish for some hum- 



112 DYING SAYINGS 

ble place to sit down behind them, and cele- 
brate the Redeemer's name for ever and 
ever/' 

III exoriiciativy pain. 
'^ Patience and resignation, dear Lord ! 
Thou never didst afflict any of thj people 
beyond what they were able to bear. Lord, 
I never was a hypocrite — I never preached 
for worldly gain : but even in that I had my 
infirmities: 1 therefore take these things, 
with every other work of my own, and cast 
them all away. 1 will come and build upon 
the same foundation with Manasseh — with 
Magdalen, ^ — and the thief on the cross." 

" * ril range the sweet mountains on the bank of the 

river, 
And sing of salvation for ever and ever. 
Hallelujah to the Lamb, who brought us our par- 

don! 
And I'll praise him again when I pass over Jordan.' " 



Rev. benjamin DA VIES, [P. B ] Haverford- 
west, Pembrokeshire. Died, A. D. 1816. 

Oa one expressing hopes of his recovery. 

'^ Oj no ; if God saw fit to restore me, he 

would bless the means used for mj recovery ; 

but my work is done, and, glorj be to his 

name, I am not without my reward in this 

life; for my consolations are neither few nor 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 113 

small : I know in whom I have believed^ and 
he is able to keep me^ and though I descend 
to the valley of deaths he will be with me. 
He has the keys of death and hell at his gir- 
dle • the one cannot arrest till he commands ; 
the other cannot open its mouth to destroy 
while I have his merits to plead. Oh ! who 
can fathom the love of Jesus? ' It passeth 
knowledge.' " 

^^To go to your Father and to my Father^ 
to your God and to my God ; oh, what joy 
I feel! 

* Welcome, sweet hour of full discharge, 
That sets my longing soul at large, 
Unbinds my chains, breaks up my cell. 
And gives me with my God to dwell/ 

— Thy presence, O Lord, overwhelms me ; 
it is more than I can bear; this poor earthen 
vessel is running over; glory ^ Q^ory^ y^ory 
be unto thy name !" 

^' The Captain of my Salvation was made 
perfect through suffering, and blessed be his 
name, he leads me on to conquest and a 
crown. What should 1 have done, if (after 
having preached to others (or nearly forty 
years) I had not his consolations ! He is 
my way, my truth, and my life, and I am his. 
For years I have never feared the conse- 



114 DYING SAYINGS 

quences of death, but oftentimes the pains; 
but, blessed be his name, he takes my pains 
away/' 

To his family surrounding his bed, 
'' My dear children, I charge you, in the 
presence of that God before whom I must 
shortly appear, that ye walk in the straight 
and narrow path, that not one of you be 
found at the left hand of the Judge in the 
great day. How can I endure the thought, 
that either of my dear children should be for 
ever under the wrath of God, or forced to 
dwell in everlasting burnings ! I have ex- 
horted you, and prayed often for you ; but 
my prayers are nearly ended — yo\i must now 
pray for yourselves. O strive to enter in at 
the straight gate, and let me entreat you to 
be decided for the Lord." 

To the deacons of the church. 
'' Meet often together for prayer. Consult 
with each other how to act. Strive to pro- 
mote the cause of Jesus Christ, and the peace 
of the church ; and, with respect to the 
choice of a minister, be earnest in prayer, 
that the Lord would send you one after his 
own heart. Respecting yourselves, the 
world and the church will be looking up to 
you : let your conversation be as becometh 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 115 

the gospel of Christ. And with respect to 
the discipline of the church, be careful that 
you do not hurt the weakest mind ; for the 
church is considered as a body, and if any 
members be hurt, the whole body suffers/' 
When apparently near dying. 

'*^ Conquest, conquest! Victory, victory 
through the blood of the Lamb!'' 
On his dying day, 

^' Oh, the presence of the Lord, the pre- 
sence of the Lord! I cannot describe it ; — 
eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither 
hath it entered into the heart of man to con- 
ceive it." 



Rev. benjamin DAVIES, D. D [I.] Classical 

Tutor at Hoinerton College, and Minister of Fet- 
ter Lane Independcnit Chapel, London. Died, 
at Bath, A. D. 1817. Mi. 78. 

To Rev. W. Jay. 
'' I am going. I have done with the world, 
and I am not unwilling to leave it, for 1 know^ 
where I am going ; and, though not impa- 
tient, I long to depart and to be with Christ, 
which is far better.*' 

To the same, when he ivas going from home. 
''\ have not raptures, but I have peace. 
Perhaps 1 may be gone before you return ; 



116 DYING SAYINGS 

do not attempt to embalm me. If you say 
anything of me^ let it be neither more nor 
less than this, that I die a poor penitent^ at 
the foot of the cross, deriving all rny hopes 
from the Saviour \" 

When conjined to his bed. 
^'1 knovs^ who has saved me, and called 
me with a holy calling — not according to my 
works, but according to his own purpose. 
I have been examining my foundation, and 
it is broad and firm. I find it cannot be 
shaken. What satisfaction do I derive from 
the obedience and sufferings of my Redeem- 
er! I am relying upon him.'' 

At the next interview, 
^^I am afraid I said too much when you 
were here last. I thought I spoke with too 
much confidence: 1 have felt much depres- 
sion since; yet I have been supported.'' 



Rev. D. S. DxWIES, [f.l Pastor of the \Vt]^-!i 
Chapel, Little Guildford Street, Soiithwaik. 
Died A. D. 1826, JEt. 36. 

Speaking of his family, 

'' They are in the hands of a good God," 

To his medical friend and atte?idant. 

'^ How long, my dear friend^ shall I remain 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 117 

here ? I long to be dismissed^ and to be at 
home in my Father's house/' 

To his wife, 
'' I am comfortable and happy. I have 
no doubts nor fears — death has lost all its 
terrors — I have given myself up to the Lord 
and to his work for years past — I can rest 
my all upon the merits of a crucified Saviour 
" — he is precious to ray soul — his cleansing 
blood, how it answers all my wants!'' 

To a brother minister, 
" Had I all the world in my possession^ I 
would cheerfully give it up to see the secrets 
of eternity this night." 



Hev. THOMAS DAVIES, [I.] Haverfordwest, 
Pembrokeshire. Died, A. D. 1788. 

To a friend. 
'' I am afraid to speak, lest the blood 
should come up ; [a blood-vessel was burst 
by preaching] but, if I could^ I would 
speak of him who loved me, and gave him- 
self for me — he is altogether lovely! I was 
in some confusion this morning while death 
seemed to arrest me all on a sudden, having 
thought no more of death than on any 
other morning; but now my confusion is 



118 DYING SAYINGS 

over, I am collected and prepared — let the 
Lord's will be done/' 

'^I know in whom I have trusted.'* 

Last icords. 
'' Lord, grant now thj support to thy poor 
servant in the last struggle." 



llEV. RICHARD DE COURCY, B. A.. Vicar of 
St. Alk.Kond's Church, Shrewsbury. Died, 
A. D. Ih03. iEt. 59. 

" I shall not recover — I shall not ; but be 
that as it may, Christ is mine." 

'^ Lord Jesus, give me ease! Lord, give 
me resignation! — Into thy hands I commend 
my spirit,'' 

^''Christ is my foundation; Christ is the 
rock I build upon." 

To his servant, who was in tears, 

'' Pray for me^ but do not weep." 

At the instant cf his expiring. 
'^Thanks be to God for my salvation!" 



Rev. EDWARD DEERI.NG, [P.] Preacher at 
St. Paul's, Londoa. Died, A. D. 1d7G. 

^' The good Lord pardon my great negli- 
gence^ that while I had time^ I used noi the 
precious gift more for tbe advancemenl of his 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 119 

glory, as I might have done : yef^ I bless 
God, I have not abused the gift on ambition 
and vain studies. When I am dead, my ene- 
mies v^ill be reconciled to me, except they 
be such as either knew me not, or have no 
goodness in them: for I have faithfully, and 
with a good conscience, served the Lord my 
God." 

^'^^A poor wretch and miserable man as I 
am, the least of all saints, and the greatest of 
all sinners ; yet I trust in Christ my Saviour. 
Yet a little while and we shall see our hope. 
The end of the world is come upon us, and 
we shall quickly receive the end of our hope 
which we have so much looked for. Afflic- 
tions, diseases, sickness, and grief, are but 
parts of that portion which God bath allotted 
to us in this world. 'Tis not enough to con- 
tinue for a little while; we must persevere 
in the fear of the Lord all the days of our 
lives, for in a moment we shall be taken 
away. Take heed, therefore, that you do 
not make a pastime of, nor disesteem, the 
word of God. Blessed are they \^ho, while 
they have tongues, use them for God's glory/' 
'''As there is but one sun in the world, so 
there is but one righteousness, and one com- 
munion of saints. If I were the most excel- 



120 DYING SAYINGS 

lent of all creatures in the world, equal in 
righteousness to Abraham^ Isaac^ and Jacob, 
yet would I confess myself to be a sinner, 
and that I expected salvation only in the 
righteousness of Jesus Christ. As for my 
death, I bless God I find so much comfort 
and joy in my soul, that if I were put to my 
choice, whether to die or live, I would a 
thousand times rather chuse death than life." 



llEV. EDMUND DENHAM, [I.] Walworth. 
Died, A.D. IBOO. .Et. 34. 

To a friend, 
'' I have such views of the heavenly state 
as I cannot express, on account of my present 
weakness. What a surprising thing it ap- 
pears to us, that this world should be made 
to be burnt to ashes ; but what an insignifi- 
cant thing is this little world, w^hen compared 
with that vast world eternity — the most im- 
portant article of a man's life is the close oiiX.' 

On a Lord's day morning, 
'""Is not this the sabbath ? Perhaps in a 
few sabbaths more we shall be in heaven. ' 

To his wife, 
^' I am only distressed at the thought of 
leaving you and mj children ; all mj hopes 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 121 

are fixed upon Jesus Christ — what has a 

Christian to fear ?" 

" ^ This life's a dream, an empty show; 
But the bright world to which I go 
Hath joys substantial and sincere — 
When shall I wake and find me there'?' " 

'^ Christ is the anchor of the soul^ both 
sure and steadfast." 

'^As the outward man perisheth^ the in- 
ward man is renewed day by day." 



Rev. RICHARD DENNEY, [I.] Long Buckbj, 
Northamptonshire. Died, A. D. 1813. iEt. 90. 

'' I hope I shall soon see the blessed^ bless- 
ed Redeemer. 

[The following verse is not strictly a dying saying ut- 
tered by his lipSf but he desired to utter it, and by 
his direction, before expressed and repeated by 
signs, his finger was placed upon it.'] 

" * Dearest of all the names above. 

My Jesus and my God ! 
Who can resist thy heavenly love, 

Or trifle with thy blood?' '' 



Rev. ARTHUR DENT, [N. C] of Soubery iu 
Essex. Died about A. D. 1600. 

Having expressed his faith in the gospel. 

'^ This faith have I preached ; this faith 

have 1 believed in ; this faith I do die in ; 

G 



P^!^' 



122 DYING SAYINGS 

and this faith would I have sealed with my 
bloody if God had so thought good ; and tell 
my brethren so." 

*'^I have fought a good lights I have 
finished my course^ I have kept the faith ; 
henceforth there is laid up for me the crown 
of righteousness/' 

Last words, 

'' I have seen an end of all perfection, but 
thy law is exceeding broad/' 



Rev. DAVID DICKSON, [P.] Professor of Di 
vinity in the University of Edinburgh, Author ot 
a Work on the Psalms, &c. Died, A. D. 1662. 
iEt. 72. 

^^ I have taken all my good deeds and all 
my bad deeds^ and have cast them together 
in a heap before the Lord^ and have fled from 
both to Jesus Christy, and in him I have sweet 
peace/' 

Dying words to his family , after which he closed his 
own eyes, and expired in his son's arms, 

'' The grace of the Lord Jesus Christy 
and the love of God^ and the communion of 
the Holy Ghost^ be wath you all. Amen.'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 123 

Rev JOHN DOD. Died, at Fausley, Nortbamp- 
tanshire, A. D. 1645. ^t. 96. 

'' I am not afraid to look death in the face. 
I can say^ Death, where is thy sting ? Death 
cannot hurt me. To wicked men death is 
unwelcome; but a child of God^ who hath 
laboured and suffered^ is glad when death 
comes^ because he is then to rest from his 
labours. The knowledge of two things 
would make one willing to suffer or die^ 
namely^ to know what heaven is^ and^ in the 
next place^ to know that it is one's own.'" 

•^ They that hope to go to heaven^ as most 
do^ and have not good evidence of it^ are 
like a man^ who^ passing by a great house 
and estate^ would say^ these are mine; but 
being desired to shew his title^ should say, 
somebody must have it, and why not I ? Such 
is most people's state for heaven." 

'' I desire to be dissolved and to be with 
Christ." 



Rev. JOHN DREDGE, [W. M.] of Ashby. 
Died, A. D. 1820. ^t. 28. 

To a friend. 
'' I had not thought that my departure was 
so near; but I am going, and I wanted you 
to see the last of me, and to tell you what the 

g2 



124 DYING SAYINGS 

Lord has done^ and is still doing, for me. 1 
find dying work to be hard work, important 
work, solemn work: but all is well! I feel 
solid peace; and I know that I am a sinner 
saved by grace. I have been thinking of 
that passage, ^ 1 am the resurrection and the 
life : he that believeth in me, though he were 
dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth 
and believeth in me shall never die/ Thu 
is not worthy the name of death. God has 
said, ' I will ransom thee from the power of 
the grave , I will redeem them from death : 

death ! I will be thy plagues ; O grave ! 

1 will be thy destruction/ I want to be filled 
with joy, — to have a largermeasure of glory 
and of God. I have prayed for this, and 
God, who has excited this desire, will sa- 
tisfy it/' 

After taking the LordCs Supper, 

'' Now lettest thou thy servant depart in 
peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation ; 
yea, I have /^ft thy salvation/' 

^^I know whom I have believed ; and am 
persuaded that he is able to keep that which 
I have committed unto him against that day! 
I feel I am a child of God ; and as a father 
pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth me, 
and will not lay any more upon me than he 



\i 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 123 

will enable me to bear. Though he slay me^ 
yet will I trust in him/' 

To his wife. 
'' I bless God for our union; our eye was 
single in this business^ and the Lord has 
sanctified it. And now I leave you in the 
hands of God; he will be with you^ and keep 
you ; he will be a father unto my son, and a 
husband to you. Do not grieve, and so make 
the closing scene distressing, 1 am happy , 
let me finish my course with joy ! I hope 
the Lord will enable you to give me up.'" 

To his infant child. 

'' The Lord be with thee, my dear boy , I 
leave thee in the hands of God; and if it 
should please him to make thee a missionary, 
as good Dr. B. of Edinburgh once observed 
respecting thee, thy dying father desires no 
greater honour.'' 

^^I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord!'' 
'' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart 
in peace, according to thy word ; for mine 
eyes have seen thy salvation." 

When apparently dyirig. 

^' All is well!— all is well! Victory!— 
victory ! Glory ! — glory ! Happy ! — hap- 
py ! 1 thought I should have gone 



126 DYING SAYINGS 

then ; — the Lord spares me to you a little 
longer ; but I shall shortly put off this ta- 
bernacle ' He that liveth and believeth 

on me shall never die/ 

* The wings of love and anns of faith 
Do bear me conqueror through.' " 

^* I have wished and prayed much for a 
bright and unclouded setting sun ; and^ glo- 
ry be to God^ my sun does not set in the 
cloud; all is light and joy ! 

* Thou art my soul's bright morning star. 
And thou my rising sun!' ' 

I would not exchange conditions with any 
of you. No! I have a desire to depart and 
to be with Christ ; and I pray the Lord to 
cut short his work in righteousness, and re- 
ceive my spirit."* 

He joined in singing this verse, 

" ^ Him eye to eye we there shall see, 

Our face like his shall shine; 
O what a glorious company 

When saints and angels join !' 

— That glorious company — I want to be 
with them !"' 

'' I am going — I am going. Happy !— 
happy ! Victory! — victory!" 

^^ Nature is sinking, but grace triumphing! 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 127 

' Cease fond nature, cease \hy strife, 
And let me languish into life.' ^ 

After having had " the Dying Christian^^ sung at his 
request. 

'' Now let me ' languish into life' " — 
'' Our conflicts here shall soon be past.'" 

'* * We soon shall reach the heavenly shore; 
We then shall meet, to part no more.' " 

'' Yes! I shall meet you there, 

* Where all the ship's company meetT " 

'' I am saved from all fear! Yea, though 
I walk through the valley of the shadow of 
death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with 
me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." 

Last words. 
^'^ Glory ! — glory! Happy ! — happy ! — 
happy !" 

M. DUPLESSIS, a French Nobleman. 

[From Willison's Afflicted Man's Companion.] 

On being told of the service done hy Ms writings, 

'' Alas^ what was there of mine in that 

work ? Say not that it was I^ but God by 

me. Mercy^ mercy, mercy !'" 

'' Away, away with all merit ; I call for 
nothing but mercy, free mercy. — I feel, I 
feel what I speak." 



128 DYING SAYINGS 

In secret, 

''\ flj^ I fly to heaven. Let the angels 
carry me to the bosom of my Saviour." 

^^I know that my Redeemer liveth, and 
that I shall see him with these eyes." 



Rev. JAMES DURHAM, [P.] Professor of Di- 
vinity in the University of Glasgow, Author of a 
Work on the 53d Chapter of Isaiah, &c. Died, 
A. D. 1658. Mi. 36. 

'' For all that I have preached or written, 
there is but one scripture I can remember or 
dare grip unto^ [hold fast] ^ Whosoever 
Cometh unto me I will in no tvise cast out.' '* 

On death approaching. 

'' Is not the Lord good? Is he not infi- 
nitely good ? See how he smiles ! I do say 
it,, and I do proclaim it.'" 



KING EDWARD THE SIXTH. Died, A. D. 
1553. ^t.l7. 

His dying prayer, which he supposed no one overheard. 
'^ Lord God, deliver me out of this mise- 
rable and wretched life, and take me among 
thy chosen: howbeit^ not my will but thy 
will be done. Lord, I commit my spirit to 
thee. O Lord, thou knowest how happy it 
were for me to be with thee; yet, for thy 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 129 

chosen 's sake^ send me life and healthy that 
1 may truly serve thee. O my Lord God^ 
bless thy people, and save thine inheritance. 
O Lord God, save thy chosen people of 
England. O my Lord God, defend this 
realm from Papistry, and maintain thy true 
religion, that I and my people may praise 
thy holy name, for thy son Jesus his sake/' 
Last tvords. 
''I am faint; Lord have mercy upon me, 
and receive my spirit.'' 



Kf^v. JONATHAN EDWARDS, M. A., Presi- 
dent of New-Jersey College, United States, Died 
A. D. 1758. ^t. 55. 

To his daughter. 
'' Dear Lucy, it seems to me to be the will 
of God that I must shortly leave you ; there- 
fore, give my kindest love to my dear wife, 
[she was at a distance] and tell her that the 
uncommon union which has so long subsist- 
ed between us, has been of such a nature as, 
I trust, is spiritual, and therefore will con- 
tinue for ever; and I hope she will be sup- 
ported under so great a trial, and submit 
cheerfully to the will of God, As to my 
children, you are now likely to be left father- 
less, which I hope will be an inducement to 

G 3 



130 DYING SAYINGS 

you all to seek a Father who will never leave 
you/^ 

His last tvords were in repli/ to one who lamented the 
loss which the college would sustain. 

'' Trust in God^ and ye need not fear." 



Rev. JOHN ELLIOTT, [P.] Missionary to the 
American Indians. Died, A. D. 1690. ^t. 86. 

^^ Come^ Lord, I have been a great while 
ready for thy coming.'' 

To his friends, 
^^Pray^ pray^ pra.y/' 

To his successor. 
'' Brother^ thou art welcome to my very 
soul. Retire to thy study to pray for me, 
and give me leave to be gone.'' 

Last words. 

'' Welcome joy.'' 



Rev. JOHN EMERY, [P. B.] Little Staughton, 
Beds. Died, A. D. 1799. ^t. 60. 

^'The doctrines I have preached, I am 
persuaded will stand; but if I had no other 
hope of being saved than my having been a 
preacher, I should sink, but a view of my 
own interest in the same glorious truths I 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 131 

have been enabled to preach to others^ is my 
support now I am on a dying bed/' 

To his son* 
^V Dying work is hard work^ but — 

* Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft as downy pillows are.' " 



Rev. THOMAS ENGLISH, [L] Wooburn, Bucks. 
Died, A. D. 1809. ^t. 58. 

'' I have the meanest opinion of my own 
religion, but the highest opinion of the reli- 
gion of Christ/' 

To one of his daughters. 

' ' Mind that you do not neglect the religion 
of the heart.'" 

Laying his hand on the head of a young son, 

'' May the God of Abraham, the God of 
Isaac, and the God of Jacob, bless you, and 
keep you, and preserve you in life, and when 
you come into my weak state, and for ever ! 
May he who has been my Preserver, ray 
Redeemer, and my All, be your's and your 
sister's ! Amen." 



MARY ENGLISH, [I.] Wife of the Rev, Thomas 
English, Wooburn, Bucks. Died, A. D. 1794. 

" I am so satisfied with the will^ and the 



132 DYING SAYINGS 

wisdom^ and the justice^ and the goodness of 
God, that, if the turning of a straw would 
better my condition, I would not, on any ac- 
count, touch it with my finger contrary to 
the will of my heavenly Father/' 

'' If my afflictions were but made the in- 
struments of good to my near and dear rela- 
tions, I should think them light, were they 
to be endured over again/' 

^"^ A sense of my extreme vileness frequently 
interrupts my comforts ; I have done nothing 
but to undo myself." 

To Mr. English. 
''\ have been considering what I know of 
Christ ; I fear it is but little, and even suspect 
that little not to be of a saving nature." 

On the cross of Christ being named to her, 

'' All my dependence must be there — there 
alone! There is nothing else to which I can 
turn my eyes, that will afford a moment's 
satisfaction. Hope still in God, for I shall 
yet praise him. — How often have 1 wished 
to deserve something from him ; but now I 
perceive that 1 have not the least claim to 
any blessing on account of personal good- 
ness, for this very moment I can detect the 
evils of my heart/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 133 

'^ I can take no comfort from any past 
experience ; the promises must be re-applied/^ 

To Mr. £. 
'* I have been thinking over the promises, 
and I now see 1 may come to Jesus without 
fear of being cast out^ on the ground of his 
own word." 

On a blood-vessel giving ivay, 

^*^The fears of the wicked shall come upon 
them: this calamity I have long dreaded, 
and now it has overtaken me." 

To Mi\ E., a few iveeks before her death, 

''I am greatly confused; Satan presses 
hard on my spirit with a very dreadful tempt- 
ation : when I strive to bless God for all his 
mercies^ the very opposite urges itself on my 
mind^ and I fear the enemy will be too pow- 
erful for me. O pray that he may be kept 
off! My dear, pray for me! But if the 
heavens should be brass and the earth iron ? 
Lord, keep my soul from evil thoughts ! My 
sins confound me— I am all sin ! O pray that 
the word curse may be taken from me! I 
have deserved all punishment — Lord Jesus, 
leave me not in the hand of the enemy V 

To Mr, E, on the next morning. 

'' The Lord be praised, and praise you the 



134 DYING SAYINGS 

Lord forme! The enemy has been restrained; 
he is not suffered to try me as he did last 
night ! The Lord has heard your prayer : 
do not forget to thank him for the mercy he 
hath shewn me ! God is very good to me, 
but I shall sink if he leaves me! I have 
thought on Dr. R. who told me he heard 1 
was happy in my mind ; but he said, the 
clouds may return; yet be not discouraged, 
for they shall be again dispersed." 

On '^ Clark on the Promises'^^ being read to her. 

'' How mild and good ! — We see there is 
nothing too hard for the Lord.'* 

On ivalking across the room with a stick* 

'' Like Jacob, I am leaning on my staft'; 
if I did but look more to Jacob's God, I 
should be still happier." 



^' For some time past I have thought on 
death with uneasiness ; but now I can realize 
it with pleasure: I have dreaded passing 
through the gloomy valley^ lest my Saviour 
should be absent; but he will be with me, 
his rod and staff will comfort me, and I shall 
be his in the day when he makes up his jewels ! 
In my funeral sermon I wish it may be made 
known what Christ has done for the vilest of 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 135 

sinners^ and that his excellencies and pre- 
ciousness may be recommended." 

*^^ I have seen that which makes me long; 
to go. I have seen it [meaning salvation] 
all finished and completed without me/' 

One 7norning to Mr, E, 

'' This morning I saw the plan of salva- 
tion so clear, that my soul was all calmness : 
it is with me according to my faith !" 

'^Miller Dell used to call death a sleep, 
and such it eventually proved to him: who 
knows but I shall find it a sleep likewise ? — 
I long for my dear relations to enjoy the 
blessings I now experience — Do not forget 
to pray for them/' 

On another morning, 

''\ often think on poor Job — ' Wearisome 
nights are appointed for me/ but I know 
that ** when he has tried me, I shall come 
forth as gold.' This night I have enjoyed 
unexpected ease; the Lord has been better 
to me than my fears, and given me a fresh 
pledge of his mercy." 

To Mr. E. 
''I have been concerned to have a change 
of air, but how desirable is the air of heaven! 
— that is all purity. When I am gone I hope 



136 DYING SAYINGS 

you will be spared to do much good, and 
trust you will not be anxious to be taken 
from the dear children. May the Lord give 
you wisdom to speak to them^ and caution 
them against a conformity to the vanities of 
the world. I have been too deficient; the 
Lord pardon this, and every thing else. I 
could wish to speak something to them that 
they might have a lasting impression on their 
souls." 

Rl J) I arks three days before she died, 

'^\ feel a little relief: the goodness of 
God enables me to bear all that he lays upon 
me. 1 long to be with him ! — and you will 
all shortly follow/' 



liEV. EBENEZER ERSKINE, [S. S.] Died, 
A. D. 1754. ^t. 54. 

On 07ie of his elders inqviriiig, *^ What ere you now doing 
with your own soul f^^ 

'' I am doing with it what I did forty years 
ago: I am resting upon that word^ ^I am 
the Lord thy God/' and on this I mean to 
die." 

To some friends, 

'' O sirSj my body is now become a very 
disagreeable habitation for my soul ; but 
when my soul goes out of this body^ it will 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 



137 



as naturally fly into the bosom of Christ as 
a stone will fall towards the centre/' 

On one expressing a hope that he had glimpses of comfort. 

'' I know more of words than of glimpses. 
Though he slay me^ yet will I trust in him* 
The covenant is my charter ; and if it had 
not been for that blessed word^, ^I am the 
Lord thy God/ my hope and strength had 
perished from the Lord.'' 



Rev. benjamin EVANS, [I.] Trewen, Car- 
diganshire. Died, A. D. 1821. JEt. 81. 

'' I have no will of my own : the Lord's 
will be done." 

''I see the plan of salvation as clear as 
noon-day^ and my soul delighteth in it/' 

'^\ am resigned; God only is fit to rule; 
and it would be a great sin in me to say any 
thing against my Creator." 

On being asked if Christ iv as precious in his esteem. 

'' He is very precious^ and always has 
been so/' 

To one who asked him for parting advice, 

'' Cast thy burthen upon the Lord, and 
he will sustain thee." 



138 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. JOHN EVANS, D.D., London, [I.] Author 
of ''The Christian Temper/' Died, A. D. 1730. 
^t. 51. 

''I must not complain. God is good, 
and the will of the Lord be done." 

^^I have reason of thankfulness for an 
early sense of religion^ and dedication to 
God ; I have endeavoured to order the main 
part of my life as before him^ and ever de- 
sired to be faithful in the ministry: I am 
conscious of my failings in public and in 
private life ; but I can rest upon the gospel 
covenant for mercy: I am fully persuaded 
of its truths and desire no other salvation." 

'' I die in the faith and hope of the gospel 
I have preached^ and now find great comfort 
in it," 

^^ This corruption shall put on incorrup- 
tion. O glorious hope!'' 

^rBlessed be God for the peace of my 
mind.'' 

On the spirit of prayer excited in his behalf, 

^' I heartily wish that my affliction may be 
the means of reviving the spirit of prayer; 
I shall not think much of any thing I endure^ 
provided it have that effect." 

Last words, 

'' X\\ is well; all is well." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 139 

Rev. RICHARD EVANS, [I.] Appledore, Devon. 
Died, A. D. 1824. JEt. 88. 

Writing bitter things against himself. 

^^Indolence, sloth^ and inactivity have been 
my killing sins. May the Lord God di- 
rect me to the blood of Christ. Love to God 
is not a sluggish love; it should set the heart 
thinking v^hat to do for God. O the incal- 
culable^ inconceivable love of God!" 

^' It is a terrible thing to be asleep v^lien 
we should be most awake. I have been un- 
der the power of sleepiness for a long time^ 
and now the Lord is punishing me for it.'' 

After his age and infirmities were named as apologies. 
^^ I do not like that every thing should be 
put down to disorder; it is sleepiness of the 
soul^ that I know.'' 

On awaking one morning. 
'' I have had a dreadful night. I have 
rejected God. Is there any reason to hope 
of escaping everlasting punishment? God 
has made my plagues wonderful." 

On another morning. 
'^ I thought in the night the devil would 
have torn my soul in pieces; but happily it 
did not last long. I wished to look up to 



140 



DYING SAYINGS 



God, and Christ said, ' Poor infant — child, 
take hold of mj hand, take hold of my arm." 

On another morning. 
'' I am lost, I am lost!*' 
Soon after, 
'' It is brightening, the dreadful conflict 
is over/' 

On a friend expressing hopes that he icas more com- 
forted, 

'' I have some intervals of soul-ease. If I 
could but look up to God as my God, I 
would not care how soon he called me. — 
What I have been wishing and praying for 
is, that God would give me such a discovery 
of his pardoning mercy, that I may not be a 
discouragement to those who are younger.'' 

'' ' Whosoever cometh unte me, I will in 
no wise cast out;' but Satan says to me, 'You 
cannot come.'' 1 asked him who told him so ? 
He who had power to send two thousand 
devils to their place of torment at a word 
speaking, can remove my sins however nu- 
merous." 

On awaking one morning. 
^' O pray for me, pray for me! Oh, that 
I may clasp around thy arm, oh Jesus ! Lord, 
here comes a sinner — may I come to thee ? 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 141 

Wilt thou cast me out? I deserve it — I 
deserve it. But^ Lord Jesus^ thou canst 
hear. With thee there is mercy. Mercy 
shall be built up for ever^ and Christ shall 
have all the glory of saving his people." 

Again, on awaking, 

^' I will throw myself into the bosom of 
Jesus^ who died to destroy the works of the 
devil. — I want to meditate on the infinite 
merits of Christ. It will not do to look 
back on my own sins^ for^ indeed, it is a de- 
plorable subject. Was it ever known that 
God cast out one that came to him? — then 
why should I be an exception ? The gospel 
tells me there is relief, and that all things 
are working out what God had fixed on 
from the beginning. Now is the time to 
strive^ long;* pant after him more fervently. 
Let us be going to him longing, prayings, 
hoping, trusting, believing, rejoicing in hope 
of the glory of God ; and let us not be satis- 
fied without a large share of an interest in 
him.^^ 

To one of his daughters, 

'' I want to tell you that I hope the Lord 
is about to shine into my soul. Oh ! that 
sweet promise^ — the Lord hath said, and I 



142 DYING SAYINGS 

hope to mey to me, to me, I will not leave 
thee comfortless^ I will come unto thee." 

On another occasion, 

'' I fear if I express all I feel, it will savour 
of pride/* 

On being pressed to tell his consolations, 
'' Well, then, I will tell you what God 
has done for my soul. He has enabled me 
to fix my hope on the living stone, his own 
foundation. I hope he has brought me out 
of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and 
set my foot upon a rock, and said to me, ^I 
will remember thy sins no more.' " 

On being asked one morning how he was, 
*' Mercy! mercy! mercy! I am surround- 
ed with mercy! — That verse has done me 
much good, ^ I will not leave thee comfort- 
less, I will come unto thee.' '' 

At another time, 
^' I must tell you the good news. Come 
and bless God with me. The gloom, the 
dreadful gloom which I have laboured under 
for years, is gone. I now see that I have 
been making God a liar, and believing the 
devil. Though he has told me again and 
again, he takes no pleasure in the death of a 
sinner, yet I never till now felt the truth 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 143 

of that text. Our foundation is strongs 
but we shake it by our unbelief. It is put 
beyond all doubt and dispute, that Christ has 
paid down all the debt; therefore, a poor 
sinner, as I am, may come to God through 
him. It is paid, it is paid. Jesus, then, has 
borne our griefs, borne our sorrows, and has 
said, ^It is finished ' " 



'^ I am not without hope that the arms of 
everlasting love are open to me/' 

'' I would not give up my hope of the 
great salvation/' 

On retiring to rest. 
** ' Sprinkled afresh with pardoning blood, 

I lay me down to rest; 
As in til' embraces of my God , 

Or on ni}' Saviour's breast!' " 

'' I am as full of comfort as I can hold/' 
'' I know we shall not die, only that little 
death, which is a kind of parenthesis between 
that and the resurrection." 

'' Blessed Jesus ! down with this body, 
which has been such an hindrance all the 
days of my life;-^down with it, and take me 
to thyself, I am in the hands of God ; re- 
ceive me as thy child, wash me in thy blood. 
Oh, to lay low at the cross of Christ, and 
say— 



144 DYING SAYINGS 

* Jesus, my God, T boast no more 
Of all the duties I have done.' '^ 

'^ Lord Jesus, receive my spirit ; take me 
up into thine arms; there would I leave my- 
self for ever, for ever, for ever. Blessed Je- 
sus! w^ould any wish to be out of thine arms! 
Oh, say that thou art mine — speak the word, 
and then thou art mine for ever." 

^' O that I could speak honourably for 
Christ — I want to have the heart jump for 
joy. Oh/ that I could say. Lord Jesus, I 
am coming, I am coming; break this clay 
tabernacle ; 

' Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft as downy pillows are." ' 

On the evening before his death. 

'' This has been a delightful day, — 

* Oh, glorious hour! oh, bless'd abode! 
I shall be near and like my God : 
And flesh and sin no more controul 
The sacred pleasures of the soul.'" 

On the day of his death. 

^^ Glory, glory, glory"— 
Last words, 

''All I haveis joy, joy,joy,and rejoicing/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 145 

Rev. WILLIAM EVANS, [I] Ford, near Kings- 
bridge, Devon. Died, A. D. 1810. Mi. 66. 

To the doctor, 
^^ O doctor, I shall soon be in the 



* land of pure delight. 

Where saints immortal reign.' " 



^' I am weakness itself, but I am on the 
Rock. I do not experience those transports 
which some have expressed in the view of 
death ; but my dependance is on the mercy 
of God in Christ. Here my religion began, 
and here it must end: — in heaven I shall 
suffer no more: there is fulness of joy, and 
there are pleasures for evermore;'* 

•* * Not all the pains that e'er I bore 
Shall spoil my future peace.' " 

Oil his past labour among his people being named. 

'' May God bless it to them ! — may God 
bless it to them!" 



Rrv. WILLIAM EVANS, [L] Stockport, Cheshire. 
Died, A. D. 1814. ML 42. 

Some time before his decease. 
''When I think of the act of dying, and 
of the separation of body and spirit from 
each other, it makes me shudder; though I 

u 



146 DYING SAYINGS 

feel no anxiety^ or apprehension at all^ as to 
my future state/' 

^^ I almost walk in darkness, and have no 
light/* 

To his attendants, about a fortnight before his decease* 
'^ I have heaven in my eye and glory in 
my heart. I see what I never saw before; — 
I feel what I never felt before, — and what I 
cannot express to you. How unutterable 
are the glories of that kingdom to which I 
am going! It is well to begin well, but it is 
glorious to end well. I have fought a good 
fight; I have finished my course; and there 
is laid up for me a crown of life ; — but not to 
me, — to him that hath saved me, and taught 
me these things, be all the glory! '' 

To those who surrounded him. 
^' You are the subjects of God's manifold 
mercies, and stewards of the talents which 
he has given you. You are not to satisfy 
yourselves with negative goodness ; you must 
do good, — you must be useful; and I beseech 
you in Christ's stead, that you diligently im- 
prove all to his glory!" 

Holding his wife's hand, and addressing a friend. 

'"^ These are great earthly ties; but my 
God has enabled me to resign them, and all 
earthly concerns, into his hands/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 147 

Or being told he left them with friends. 

'' Yes, with tried friends; but I am leav- 
ing them with what is far better — with the 
promises of God.'' 

Alluding to an union of Christians in the county, for 
spreading the gospel, 

'' Give up every thing but truth and a good 
conscience for the sake of union and brother- 
ly love! Give it your support^ and let it 
have your prayers; for I know it is the 
Lord's work/' 

To his wife, a few days before he died, 
'' In th(i morning you shall seek me, but 
shall not find me; and the place that know- 
eth me now shall know me no more. I have 
seen thy salvation ; O Lord, dismiss thy ser- 
vant: I wish not to be sent away, but to be 
dismissed, I have done with this world — 
the Lord be praised! After serving him in 
this, I am going to serve him in a better 
state. I want to change my place, and to 
get a little higher in my Father's kingdom. 
Oh, my grave will be sweet to me, — sweet 
rest! It will be delightful to join the general 
assembly of the first-born. I shall seo ray 
Saviour, and see him as he is. How separate 
spirits communicate their ideas to each other^, 
I cannot tell ; but I shall know hereafter/* 

h2 



148 DYING SAYINGS 

On being unable to take refreshment. 
'' Oh, that I might but eat bread in the 
kingdom of God ! When shall I get to that 
heavenly land ? — when shall I wake and find 
me there? — O my Lord, fetch me to thyself! 
— How shall I go through the termination 
of this sickness? — O Lord, leave me not, 
neither forsake me \" 

On being laid down in bed. 
'^ Oh, that this might be the last time! and 
that I might close my eyes on all the scenes 
of this world, and open them to the grand 
views and operations of eternity !'* 

To his wife y just before he died, 

^'I want to be in the kingdom of God/' 

Last words. 

^•Lord, help! Lord, help!'' 



Rev. JOHN EYRE, M. A., [C. M.] Secretary of 
the London Missionary Society, formerly of 
Emmanuel College, Oxford. Died, A. D. 1803. 
^t. 49. 

On being seized with a paralytic affection, 
'^ Perhaps my chariot may be nearer than 
we are aware of. I have been praying for 
my family^ and all my friends by name, as 
many as I can recollect; and the charge the 
Lord has committed to me, I have resigned 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 149 

to bim again. I do not say ^1 will go before 
and prepare your mansions/ No; blessed 
be God^ they are already prepared ! and my 
friends I shall not lose: I shall meet them 
again^ for I have long broken off all friend- 
ship with the world. "" 

^'I do not^ indeed, know what heaven is; 
but I have had such views, that it seems worth 
while to leave heaven and come down to 
enjoy them over again. But on these joys I 
lay no stress : — I had rather go out of the 
world in poverty of spirit, than with the 
greatest joy/' 

To Mrs. Eyre. 

'' Here is a portion for you, my dear Mary, 
in Jer. xlix, II, '^ Leave thy fatherless chil- 
dren, and let thy widow trust in me.'" 

'*^The Lord gives strength in great weak- 
ness. I cannot pray for you in the family 
now ; but Jesus ever lives to make interces- 
sion.*' 

^at is all well/' 

Last words, in a low tone, and soliloquy, 

'' Who is able to do exceeding abundantly 
above all that we can ask or think.'' 



150 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. Dr. SAMUEL PINLEY, President of New 
Jersey College. Died, A. D. 1766. ^Et. 51. 

When told by the doctor of his approaching decease, 
^^ Then may the Lord bring me near to 
himself. I have been waiting for the pro- 
mised land. I have often wondered that God 
suffered me to live; I have more wondered 
that ever he called me to be a minister of his 
word. He has often afforded me much 
strength which, though I have abused^ he 
has returned in mercy. Oh^ faithful are the 
promises of God! Oh^ that I could see him 
as I have seen him heretofore in his sanctu- 
ary! Although I have earnestly desired 
death, as a hireling pants for the evening 
shade, yet will I wait all the days of my 
appointed time. 1 have often struggled with 
principalities and powers, and have been 
brought almost to despair. — Lord, let it 
suflSce.'' 

'^ I can truly say that I have loved the 
service of God. I have honestly endeavour- 
ed to act for God, but with much weakness 
and corruption/' 

^^ A Christian's death is the best part of 
his existence. The Lord hath given me 
many crowns of my rejoicing. Blessed be 
God, eternal rest is at hand— eternity is but 
long enough to enjoy my God," 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 151 

On being asked if he preferred to live or die, 

^'To die: though I cannot but say I feel 
the same straight that St. Paul did^ ^ for me 
to live is Christy but to die is great gain:' 
but should God by a miracle prolong my 
life, I will still continue to serve him. I have 
tried my Master^s yoke, and will never shrink 
my neck from it. His yoke is easy and his 
burden light.'' 

On one observing he was more cheerful. 

^^ Yes, I rise or fall, as eternal rest seems 
nearer or farther off." 

071 an observation being made on his having often said 
" Dear Lord '' in his prayers, 

^^ O ! he is very dear — very precious in- 
deed ! — How delightful it is for a minister to 
die on the sabbath ! I expect to spend the 
remaining part of this sabbath in heaven." 

To his friends, 
'' May the Lord repay you for your ten- 
derness to me ; may he bless you abundantly, 
not only with temporal but with spiritual 
blessings/' 

To his wife. 

'' I expect my dear, to see you shortly in 
glory." 

To all around him, 

"" O that each of you may experience what 



152 DYING SAYINGS 

(blessed be God) I do^ when you come to 
die! May you have the pleasure to reflect 
in a dying hour, that with faith and patience^ 
zeal and sincerity, you have endeavoured to 
serve the Lord ! that each of you may be 
impressed, as I have been, with God's word, 
looking upon it as substantial, and not only 
fearing, but being unwilling to offend against 
it/' 



Rev. ROBERT FLEMING, ejected from Cam- 
buslang, in Clydesdale, Scotland, in the Reign of 
Charles II., and afterwards Minister of the Scots 
Congregation at Rotterdam. Died, A. D. 1694. 
^t. 64. 

^' I think I may say that I have been long 
above the fear of death."' 

'^I have, in a manner^ been unable to form 
one serious thought since I fell sick; unable 
to apply myself to God as I ought: but 
though I have not been able to apply myself 
to Godj he hath applied himself to me; and 
one of his manifestations hath been such^ 
that I could have borne no more.'* 



Rev. JOHN FLETCHER, Vicar of Madeley, 

Salop. Died, A. D. 1785. ^t. 56. 

To the doctor. 

'^ O, sir, you take much thought for the 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS 153 

body : permit me to take thought for your 
soul/' 

^*^ God is love! love! love! O for a gust 
of praise!" 

" * Jesus' love through earth and skies, 
Mercy, free, boundless mercy cries/ " 

On the love of Christ being named to him. 

^*^ Boundless! boundless! boundless! 

* Mercy's full power I soon shall prove, 
Loved with an everlasting love.' " 



Rev. JOSEPH FORSTER, [P. B.] Scarborough, 
Yorkshire. Died, A. D. 1826. ^t. 25. 

When informed of his danger, 

'' I have no raptures^ but no doubts ; I 
know in whom I have believed/' 

'* If He receive me to glory, I ought to be 
led by his counsel." 

'^I would not change my situation if I 

could.'* 

*' * Though painful at present, 

'Twill cease before long, 
And then O how pleasant 

The conqueror's song.' '' 

** * Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft as downy pillows are.' " 

Last words, 

^^ All is right/' 

H S 



154 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. ANDREW FULLER, [P. B] Died, A. D. 
1815. ^t. 61. 

^' I have been a great sinner ; and if I am 
saved, it must be by great and sovereign 
grace — by great and sovereign grace ! " 

^^'I have no religious joys, but I have a 
hope, in the strength of which I think I 
could plunge into eternity/' 



Rev. JOHN GARBUTT, [I.] of Elland, near 
Halifax, Yorkshire. Died, A.D. 1826. .^t. 29. 

To his mother. 
^^Pray for me — pray for me to be released 
— and pray that I may die like a minister of 
the gospel, triumphing in Jesus Christ.*' 

To his family. 

^^ How dear you all are to me. I should 
like to be with you a while longer, if 1 had 
more work to do ; but to depart and be with 
Christ is far better." 

After suffering pain, 

^^\i is not too severe — it is right; God 
can do nothing wrong. He is all love, all 
wisdom, all power, all perfection.'' 



Rev. THOMAS GATAKER. Died, A. D. 1654. 

'' How long, O Lord, how long ? Come 
speedily." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 155 

''My heart fails; but God is my fortress^ 
and the strong rock of nny salvation. Into 
thy hands^ therefore^ I commend my soul^ 
for thou hast redeemed me^ O God of truth.'' 

To his son. 
'' Son, you have a great charge : look to 
it. Instruct your veife and family in the fear 
of God^ and discharge your ministry con- 
scientiously." 

To an elder sister. 
'' I thought you might have gone before 
me; but God calls for me first. I hope we 
shall meet in heaven^ and I pray God to 

bless you/' 

To his daughter. 

'^'Mind the world less and God more; 
for all things^ without piety and the true 
fear of God^ are nothing worth." 



Rev. JOHN GILL, D, D., [P. B.] London. 
Died, A. D. 1771. Mi. 74. 

^' My dependance is on the blood and 
righteousness of Christ alone — not on any 
labours of mine. I consider the Father^ Son^ 
and Holy Spirit^ as equally concerned in my 
salvation ; nor have I any doubt of my in- 
terest in the everlasting covenant; this is the 
foundation of my hope." 



156 DYING SAYINGS 

'^ I have nothing to make me uneasy." 

Last words. 

''Omj Father! my Father !" 

Rev. JOHN GILLIES, D. D., [S.P.] Author of 
"The Life of Whitfield/' &c., and Minister of 
the College Church, Glasgow. Died, A. D. 
1796. ^t. 84. 

To his son and daughter, 
^^ We have had fathers of our flesh which 
corrected us^ and we gave them reverence ; 
shall we not much rather be in subjection to 
the Father of spirits, and live?'' 

To a minister, 

^^ You have great cause to bless the Lord 
for having put you into the ministry; we 
serve a good Master ; he carries us wonder- 
fully through.'' 



JOHN MASON GOOD, M. D., F. R. S. [E] 

'' O the folly of putting off religion to a 
dying bed !'* 

'^ O the vanity of human learning!" 

*^^I have taken what, unfortunately, the 

generality of Christians take — the middle 

walk of Christianity : I have endeavoured to 

live up to its doctrines and duties ; but I have 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 157 

lived below my privileges. I have had large 
opportunities given me; but I have not im- 
proved them as I might have done. I have 
been led astray by the vanity of human learn- 
ings and by the love of human applause.'' 

'^I want to be more humbled under a 
sense of sin ; I want more spirituality, more 
humility," 

'^ No man living can be more sensible than 
I am, that there is nothing in ourselves in 
which to trust, and of the absolute necessity 
of relying on the merits of Jesus Christ. — All 
the promises are yea and amen in Christ 
Jesus." 

" * There is a fountain fiU'd with blood, 

Drawn from Emanuefs veins, 
And sinners plunged beneath that flood 
Lose all their guilty stains.' '' 

" * E'er since by faith I saw the stream 

Thy flowing wounds supply. 
Redeeming love hath been my theme, 

And shaU be till I die.' " 

'' I cannot say that I feel those triumphs 
which some Christians have experienced — 
my constitution is by nature sanguine in all 
things, so that I am afraid of trusting my- 
self." 

Last words, on a clerical friend repeating *' Behold the 
Lamb of God'' — 

*' Who taketh away the sins of the world/' 



158 DYING SAYINGS 

Dr. WILLIAM GOUGE, Minister of Blacktriars, 
London. Died, A. D. ?653. .^:t. 78. 

'' A great sinner^ but I comfort myself in 
a great Saviour/* 

In violent paroxysms of his disorder. 

'' — Well^ yet in all these there is nothing 
of hell^ or of God's wrath.'' 

^'^Soul^ be silent! soul, be patient! It is 
thy God and Father who thus ordereth thy 
condition. Thou art his cUy, and he may 
tread and trample on thee as he pleaseth. 
Thou hast deserved much more. It is enough 
that thou art kept out of hell. Though thy 
pain be grievous^ yet it is tolerable. Thy 
God affords some intermissions. He will 
turn it to thy good^ and at length put an end 
to all; none of which things can be expect- 
ed in hell." 

"^^ Shall we receive good at the hands of 
God^ and not evil?" 

'^\ am persuaded that He is able to keep 
that which I have committed to him against 

that dav/' 

»/ 

On being reminded of his labours, 
'' I dare not think of any such things for 
comfort. Jesus Christy and what he hath 
done and suffered, is the only ground of my 
sure consolation/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 159 

^*^Now I have not long to live in this 
world : the time of my departure is at hand ; 
I am going to my desired haven/' 
To his sister, 

'' Sister^, I am sure I shall be v^ ith Jesus 
when I die/' 



Mrs. ISABELLA GRAHAM, Wife of Dr. John 
Graham, a Physician. Died at New York, 
A. D. 1814. ^t. 72. 

To her Son-in-law, 

'' My dear^ dear son^ I am going to leave 
you — I am going to the Saviour/'- — — — . 
— '' Now is the time ; and^ oh ! I could 
weep for sin." 

To her children, 

'' My dear children, I have no more doubt 
of going to my Saviour, than if I was already 
in his arms; my guilt is ail transferred; he 
has cancelled all 1 owed. Yet, I could weep 
for sins against so good a God. It seems to 
me as if there must be w^eeping, even in 
heaven^ for sin/' 

" * Let us wonder, grace and justice 
Join, and point at mercj's store. 

What though grace in Christ our trust is, 
Justice smiles and asks no more. 

He has wash'd us in his blood, 

This secures our way to God/ ^' 



160 


DYING SAYINGS 




Last word. 


'^ Peace!'' 


— 



Rev. WILLIAM GRIMSHAW, A. B., [E] 

Minister of Haworth, Yorkshire. Mi, 55. 

^' I am as happy as I can be on earth, and 
as sure of glory as if I was in it." 

*^^My flesh has been as it were roasting 
before a hot fire; but I have nothing to do 
but to step out of my bed into heaven. I 
have my foot upon the threshold already." 



LADY JANE GREY. Beheaded in the Reign of 
Queen Mary, A. D. 1553-4. ^t. 1«. 

On the scaffold, 

'' I here die a true Christian woman, pro- 
fessing and avouching from my soul that 1 
trust to be saved by the blood, passion, and 
merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour only, and 
by no other means, casting far behind me all 
the works and merits of mine own actions 
as things so short of the true duty I owe, 
that 1 quake to think how much they may 
stand up against me.'' 



Rev. JOHN GRIFFITHS, [I.] Aston, Bucks. 
Died, A. D. 1018. ^t. 62. 

^' I know in whom I have trusted, and 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 161 

am persuaded he is able to keep that which 

I have committed unto him until that day." 

''Itwill soon be overhand all will be well."' 

'^All is well; my doubts and fears are all 

gone; and all is well/' 



Rev. JOHN GRUNDELL, a Minister in the 
Methodist New Connexion, North Shields, Nor- 
thumberland. Died, A. D. 1BI5. ^t. 55. 

After drinking a cup of tea, 
'' Yes, he thirsted. Oh^ what a thirst was 
his! Yes, yes: and he saith^ ^Ho! every 
one that thirsteth^ come ye to the waters^ 
and he that hath no money, come; yea, 
come, buy wine and milk, without money 
and without price.' " 



^' On Thursday I was much distressed, 
and understood, as I never understood be- 
fore, the meaning of the passage, ' Satan hath 
desired to have you, that he may sift you as 
wheat; but I have prayed for ihee, that thy 
faith fail not.' — I felt no giving way as to 
the Joundation, but my mind was much con- 
fused, and I experienced a want of power to 
lay hold of the promises ; but, on Friday, 
my soul was delivered, and 1 knew in whom 
I believed, and now I have no doubt as to 



162 DYING SAYINGS 

the reality of eternal things ; and whatever 
nnay be the issue of this attack, all, I know, 
will be well." 

^'^ I have fought a good fight, I have 
finished my course, I have kept the faith : 
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown 
of righteousness which the Lord, the righte- 
ous Judge, shall give me at that day/' 
On being asked if he had any fear of death. 

'^ Death! no, he is under my feet/' 
To four friends, 

'''You are a sufficient number to bear 
witness to my dying testimony; that is, that 
I love the Lord, and that I have resigned 
myself, body, soul, and spirit, into his hands ; 
that I know he hath accepted me, in and 
through Jesus Christ — I testify to you that 
I rest as firmly as perhaps ever soul did, on 
that promise, ' Wherefore, he is able to save 
to the uttermost all that come unto God by 
him, seeing he ever liveth to make interces- 
sion for them/ — Mark! I say as ever sovl 
did!'' 

Asking a friend to pray, 

'' Pray with me, but not more than two 
or three minutes, and say in your prayer, 
' Lord, save me, or I perish ;' and 

* I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me.' " 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 163 

On its being observed y that injidels did not die so, 
'*^0h, no! they call to the mountains and 
rocks fall on us^ and hide us from the face 
of him that sitteth on the throne^ and from 
the wrath of the Lamb ; for the great day 
of his wrath is come, and who shall be able 
to stand ! Lord, have mercy on them!'' 



Rev. JOHN GRYNAEUS, of Basil. Died, A. D. 
1617. ^t. 77. 

''*' To die in Christ is sweet, but to rise in 
him is sweeter.'" 

^' Christ is sufficient both in life and death." 

'' On earth are troubles, in the grave is 
rest." 

^''At the last day we shall have lasting 

joys.- 



Rev. JOHN GUYSE, D. D. Died, A. D. 1761. 

iEt. 81. 

^"^ Thanks be to God, I have no doubt, no 
difficulty upon ray mind, as to my eternal 
state; if I had, I could not bear what I now 
feel! I know in whom I have believed: 
here my faith rests; the peculiar doctrines of 
the gospel, which I have long preached, are 
now the support of my soul: I live upon 
them every day ; and thence derive my never- 
failing comfort." 



164 DYING SAYINGS 

'^ IIow good is my God to me ! how often 
has he made good to me that promise^ ^ As 
thy day^ so shall thy strength be!' '' 

""^^ When shall this mortal put on immor- 
tality ?'' 

^^\ am not afraid of death; I am rather 
afraid that I should err on the other hand, 
in being too desirous of it/' 

^' When shall I get through this valley?" 

Last words. 
^' Oh, my God, thou who hast always been 
with me, wilt not leave me. Sweet confi- 
dence! Blessed readiness!" 



Rev. JAMES HALL, D. D., of Edinburgh, [S. S.] 
Died, A. D. 1826. ^t. 71. 

^^I find that the same spiritual processes, 
the same processes of spiritual reasoning, 
and the same hopes which go on and ani- 
mate us when we are well, go on when we 
are ill; and encourage, support, and delight 
us more abundantly, in the hour of sickness, 
and in the prospect of death.'' 

Looking upwards from his sick chair. 

" Thou hast redeemed us ! Thou hast 
redeemed us to God by thy blood ! — that is 
the song of the great company who surround 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 165 

the throne. Thou hast redeemed us! — that 
is the song of the saints on earth. Thou hast 
redeemed us! — that is the song and the joy 
of my heart."' 

'' I know that ray Redeemer liveth, and 
that he shall stand at the latter day upon the 
earth ; and though after my skin worms de- 
stroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see 
God."' 

^^I know in whom I have believed, and 
that what I have committed to him he will 
preserve against that day." 

'^ The Lord is my light and my salvation, 
whom shall I fear? The Lord liveth, and 
blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my 
salvation be exalted.'" 

''\ have finished my course, I have kept 
the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for me 
a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, shall give me at that 
day." 

'' Lord Jesus, receive my spirit !*" 

'^Come, Lord Jesus, come quickl)^!"" 

-^ Oh ! this is a faithful saying, and wor- 
thy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came 
into the world to save sinners, of whom I am 
chief! That is the foundation of my hope, 
and that will be found to be the sentiment 



166 DYING SAYINGS 

and acknowledgment of every man who is 
found in Jesus at last/' 

'' In the former part of last nighty owing 
to the operation of the medicine upon me, I 
was sensible of my mind becoming gradually 
unhinged. I felt it difficult to collect my 
thoughts, and some doubts of darkness for a 
short time overspread my mind. But it is 
written, ''It shall come to pass, that at even- 
ing time it shall be light;' and, blessed be 
God, now all is light in the Lord.'* 

'' The cords that bind me to this world 
are numerous and very tender; but they must 
all be cut, and that very soon. That is a 
true saying of David's — ^ my heart faileth.' 
Yes, my flesh and my heart faileth : but God 
is the strength of ray heart, and my portion 
for ever." 

One of his last sayings, 
'' Give my love to my congregation — to 
every one of them." 



Rev. THOMAS HALYBURTOlSr, Professor of 
Divinity in the University of St. Andrew's. Died, 
A. D. 1712. ^t. 38. 

To a friend, on his asking how he was, 

'' Not well. I was last night sorely tossed 
with the thoughts of eternity ; but I dare not 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 167 

say they were distracting". My evidences are 
indeed much clouded. I have been think- 
ing of the terribilia Dei (the terrible things 
of God) and all that is difficult in death to a 
saint. AH my enemies have been about me, 
I have had a great conflict^ and faith had 
iiked to have failed. O that I may be kept 
in this last trials now coming on, from being 
an offence to God's people." 

To some ministers, 
'' I am young, and have but little ex- 
perience, but this death-bed makes me old ; 
and, therefore, I use the freedom to exhort 
you to faithfulness in the Lord's work: you 
will never repent: he is a good Master : I 
have ahvays found him so; and if I had a 
thousand lives, I should think them all too 
little to employ in his service." 

To a friend. 
'' O what a terrible conflict had I vester- 
day ! But I can now say, ' I have fought the 
good fight, I have kept the faith.' He hath 
now filled my mouth with a new song, 
'^ Jehovah- Jireh, in the mount of the Lord it 
shall be seen. Praise is comely for the up- 
right.' I shall shortly get a different sight 
of God from what I have ever had, and shall 



168 DYING SAYINGS 

be more meet to praise him for ever. O the 
thoughts of an incarnate God are sweet and 
ravishing! And O, how I wonder at myself 
that I do not love him more, that I do not 
admire him more! What a wonder that I 
enjoy sueh composure under all my bodily 
pain, and in the view of death; What a 
mercy, that having the use of my reason, I 
can declare his goodness to me \" 

To his physician. 

*^The greatest kindness I am now able to 
shew you, is to commend religion to you. 
There is, doctor, a reality in religion. This 
is an age that hath lost the sense of it. But 
he hath not said to the seed of Jacob, Seek 
ye my face, in vain/' 

'' I bless the Lord I have seen that holiness 
yields peace and comfort in prosperity and 
adversity : therefore, ' 1 am not ashamed of 
the gospel of Christ/ I am so far from 
altering my thoughts of religion on account 
of the opposition it meets with, that these 
things endear it to me the more. For the 
simplicity of gospel worship, many must 
have, now-a-days, the pomp and parade of 
devotion: this is an evidence of the decay of 
religion; for when people have not the power 
and spirituality of it in their hearts, they 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 169 

must have something to please their senses. 
This is mj judgment, and I speak the words 
of truth and soberness: — ^ every one that is 
in Christ Jesus is a ne v creature;' he hath 
union with Christ and a new nature; this is 
the ground-work of the matter : the Chris- 
tian religion is little understood bj most of 
us." 

To his apjihecary, 

'^ The Lord shew you mercy. Study re- 
ligion in your younger v ars • and remember 
that you will^ on a dealL-bed^ have no com- 
fort without it : and I olemnly warn you 
that if you shall become ardened by the fre- 
quent sight of persons in my circumstances, 
you will be in danger of losing all sensibility 
of conscience, and of being hardened for 
ever.'' 

To three minkters, 
'' When I have been d ligent in study and 
meditation^ I have ever fo ndthe Lord shin- 
ing upon me, and testifyiog his approbation. 
There is nothing to be had with a slack hand. 
It was the delight of my heart to preach the 
gospel^ insomuch that it made me at times 
neglect a frail body. I have ever thought 
that if I could contribute to the saving of a 
soul, it would be a star, a crown, and a glo- 

I 



170 DYING SAYINGS 

rious crown. I know that this was the thing' 
I aimed at. I desired to decrease, that the 
Bridegroom might increase; and to be no- 
thing, that he might be all ; and I rejoice in 
his highness. I was fond enough of books ; 
but I must tell you, that in the course of my 
ministry, what the Lord let me see of my bad 
heart, and of what was necessary against it, 
was of more avail than all my books/' 

On heirig remonstrated with for speaking so much, 
'^Should not I employ the last remains of 
my strength to set forth his [Christ's] glory?'' 

Lifting up his swollen hands. 
^^ Lame hands and lame legs, — but see a 
latne man leaping and rejoicing." 

To his wife. 
^^ A kind and aflfectionate wife you have 
been. The Lord bless you; and he will 
bless you." 

To his servants. 
'^ My dear friends, make religion your 
main business, and mind that above all 
things. I charge you all, beware of grace- 
less masters, and endeavour to live with those 

that fear God.- Here is a demonstration 

of the reality and power of faith and godli- 
Xiess. I, a poor, weak, and timorous man> 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 171 

once as much afraid of death as any one ; I, 
who was many years under the terrors of 
death, come, in the mercy of God, and by 
the power of his grace, composedly and with 
joy to look death in the face. I have seen 
it in its paleness, and all the circumstances 
of horror that attend it. I dare look it in 
the face in its most ghastly shape, and hope 
to have, in a little time, the victory over it.'* 
'' To think of death is a profitable thing; 
but this is not to be done by going into 
church yards, and visiting tombs ; but by 
getting under the impressions of death in its 
first appearance and cause, and in its diflfer- 
ent issues and consequences, with a view to 
both covenants; that of works, by which it 
was brought into the world; and that of 
grace, by which believers are delivered from 

On a writing being read containing his dying avowal 
of the truths of the gospel. 

'^ I know that a great deal of what is said 
by a dying man, will pass for canting and 
raving: but I bless God, he hath so preserved 
the little judgment I had, that I have been 
able to reflect with composure on bis dealings 
with me, I am sober and composed, if ever 
I was sober: and 'whether men will for- 

i2 



172 DYING SAYINGS 

bear^ or whether they will hear/ this is a 
testimony/' 

^' You will meet with difficulties and dis- 
couragements; but this may encourage you 
that God owns his servants : and now I find 
that he meets them who rejoice and work 
righteousness : glory^ glory to him ! O what 
of God do I see ! I have never seen any 
thing like it. The beginning and end, sirs, 
of religion are wonderfully sweet. *^ INIark 
the perfect man, and behold the upright, for 
the end of that man is peace.' Not that I 
call myself perfect : the Lord knows I am 
far from it: I have found corruption stirring 
since you came in this morning." 

On one remarking the Lord's dealings with him were 
uncommon. 

^'Uncommon indeed, if you knew all that 

I know : but in this is the glory of the Lord^ 

that he makes the weak strong ; and so the 

excellency of the power is more plainly seen.*' 

On a Lord's day. 

'' Shall I forget Zion ? Nay, ' Let my 
right hand forget her cunning, if I prefer 
not Jerusalem above ray chief joy.' O to 
have God returning to this church, and bis 
work going forward in the world ! If all 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 173 

ibe drops of my bloody all tbe particles of 
ray bod}% and all the hairs of my head were 
men, they should for this go all to the fire!'* 

" O, sirs^ I could not have believed that I 
should bear^ and bear cheerfully as I have 
done, this rod which hath laid on me so long. 
This is a miracle — pain without pain : and 
this is not the fancy of a man disordered, but 
of one who is fully composed. O blessed be 
God that ever I was born ! I have a father 
and a mother, and ten brethren and sisters in 
heaven, and I shall be the eleventh. O bless- 
ed be the day that ever I was born ! O that 
I were where he is! And yet, were God to 
withdraw from me, I should be as weak as 
water. All that I enjoy, though it be mira-- 
cle on miracle, would not support me without 
fresh supplies from God." 

On some looking with surprise at him, 

^' Why look you so steadfastly on me^ as if 
by might and power I were as I am? ' Not 
I, but the grace of God in me.' It is the 
Spirit of God that supports me.*' 

'' What cannot grace do ? You see a man 
dying, a monument of the glorious power of 
astonishing grace; and generations to come 
shall call me blessed. Follow my advice: 
study the power of religion : it is the power 



174 DYING SAYINGS 

of religion, and not the name^ that will give 
the comfort I find. There is telling in this 
providence^ and I shall be telling it to eter- 
nity. If there be such a glory in his conduct 
towards me now^ what will it be to see the 
Lamb in the midst of the throne ! The Lamb 
that was slain^ in the midst of the throne!*' 

To some ministers, 
'^ What a demonstration hath God given 
to you and myself of the immortality of the 
souL by the vigour of my intellects, and the 
lively efforts of my spirit towards God^ and 
the things of God, now when my body is so 
low and so pained.'* 

In prayer, under bodily pain, 

^'Pity— pity. Lord!*' 

To his wife and friends, 
'* Be not discouraged. The Lord's way is 
the best way^ and I am composed : whether 
I go away in a fit of vomiting or fainting, 
it is all one." 

Last words, on one observing that he found the great 
gain of godliness, 

'^ Yes, indeed!'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 175 

JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, Esq., First Treasurer 
of the London Missionary Society. Died, A, D» 
1818. Mi. 65. 

^' Lord Jesus^ thou hast said^ ' He that be- 
lieveth in me shall never die ; and he that 
helieveth in me, though he were dead, yet 
shall he live.' I believe this. I believe I 
shall never know what death is, but pass 
into life. Lord, thou hast said, "^him that 
cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out/ 
I firmly believe these words : I come to thee; 
thou wilt not cast me out." 

'' Mv last act of faith I wish to be, to take 
the blood of Jesus as the high priest did, 
when he entered behind the veil, to appear 
with it before the throne.'* 

'^ Surely goodness and mercy have fol- 
lowed me all my days, and 1 am now going 
to dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 
I am infinitely indebted to him for his con- 
duct of me from infancy to the end of my 
life. He took me by the hand in a wonder- 
ful manner, and has brought me into con- 
nexion with the excellent of the earth. He 
has drawn me with cords of mercy from my 
earliest days. He gave me very early im- 
pressions, and enabled me to devote myself 
in youth to his service. And this God is my 
God for ever and ever— for ever and ever !'* 



176 



DYING SAYINGS 



'' If it should please God to restore me, I 
shall regard renewed life as a blessing, — but 
I speak under the impression that 1 am a 
dying man. If I am to live, I shall welcome 
life, and thank its Giver; — if I am to die, I 
shall Nvelcome death, and thank its Conquer- 
or; — if 1 have a choice, it is to depart and 
be with Christ which is far better." 

''No principle can enter into the mind so 
sublime as the doctrine of the cross, which, 
with infinite majesty, speaks peace in heaven, 
on earth, and throughout the universe ! Let 
every one of my children glory in the cross 
of salvation. It is the power of God to every 
one that believeth — the power of God! What 
feeble ideas I attach to such expressions !'' 

To his wife. 

^^ I thank you a thousand and a thousand 
times, for all your kindness and care; a 
faithful and a good friend have you been to 
me — a help-meet in all my pilgrimage. I 
commit you to the care of good and tender 
children, who will reverence you all your 
life. How happy should I be, were I per- 
mitted to become the guardian angel of this 
family.'^ 

'' The warfare will soon be accomplished ; 
the victory is almost won; I shall soon be 
triumphant," 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. Ij7f[ 

''I wish to extol my Saviour with rny last 
dying breath. Everlasting life I already 
feel in my soul." 

'' I hope my departing spirit will be fa- 
voured with some intimations of approach- 
ing glory; but I will trust in him~I will 
trust in him. In the mean time 1 possess a 
sweet peace — calm — undisturbed. 1 will go 
to God, my exceeding joy. It is an awful 
thing for a human spirit^ deeply depraved as 
it is, to appear before the tribunal of so 
uiighty a being. He putteth no trust in his 
servants, and the heavens are not clean in his 
sight." 

'^ My experience is that of humble hope; 
I have no feelings of triumph, or of rapture^ 
but I will trust and not be afraid/' 

'' I bless God for all the comforts of my 
pilgrimage. In his presence is fulness of joy; 
at his right hand there are pleasures for 
evermore — I hope to realize those pleasures 
shortly. O my God, enable me to wait thy 
time, in thy good time dismiss me." 

"^^ I have just finished ray course! I hope 
also I may say, I have fought the good fight^ 
I have kept the faith, and that henceforth 
there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- 
ness^ Which the Lord^ the righteous Judge, 

I 3 



178 DYING SAYINGS 

shall give me at that day. Father, into thy 
hands I commit my spirit; — Lord Jesus^ re- 
ceive my spirit when it leaves the body : thou 
hast redeemed it — I have waited for thy sal- 
vation!** 



JOHN LORD HARRINGTON. Died, A. D. 
1613. .Et. 22. 

'^ 1 fear not death in what shape soever it 
may assail me/' 

^^I still feel the comfort and joys of assured 
salvation by Christ Jesus/' 

^' Ohj that joy ! Oh, my God, when shall 
I be with thee?'' 



HOWELL HARRIS, Esq., Founder of tbe Wekh 
Calvinislic Methodists. Died, A. D. 1773. JEt. 59. 

'' Glory be to God, death hath no sting." 

'^ It is now more clear to me than ever, 
that God is my everlasting Father, and that 
1 shall go to him soon/' 

^' I am already on Mount Zion : I have 
seen great glory in that God-Man before, 
but nothing in comparison of what 1 now 
behold in him/' 

'' O Jesus^ here I come ! — here I come to 
thee!" 

/^l am in great pain, but all is well^- — he 



mAimmm 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 179 

bath settled all thing's well ! O^ how would 
it be if the sting of death had not been taken 
away.'* 



Dr. ROBERT HARRIS, Minister of Hanwell, 
and one of the Assembly of Divines at West- 
minster. Died, A. D. 1688. ^t. 80. 

^' My work is now to arm myself for death 
which assaults me; and I apply myself ac- 
cording to ray ability for that great encoun- 
ter." 

To his friends. 

^^ Above all things^ get faith. It is your 
^ictory^ your peace, your life, your crown, 
and your chief piece of spiritual armour. 
Notwithstanding which, put on likewise all 
the other pieces; and then go forth in the 
Lord's might. Stand to the tight, and the 
issue shall be glorious. Only, forget not to 
call in the aid of vour General. Do all from 
him and under him," 

On being asked ivhere his comfort lay, 

'^\n Christ, and in the free grace of God. ^' 
On being told of his labours, 

'^ All is nothing without a Saviour. With- 
out him, my best works would condemn me. 
Oh, I am ashamed of them, as they were 
mixed with so much sin. Oh> I am an un- 



-^^^^-^ 



180 DYING SAYINGS 

profitable servant ! I have not done any 
thing for God as I ought. Loss of time sits 
heavily on my spirit. Work, work apace ; 
assuring yourselves that nothing will more 
trouble you when you come to die, than that 
you have done no more for God, who hath 
done so much for you/' 

^^I never in all my life saw the wortli of 
Christ, nor tasted the sweetness of God's 
love, in that measure I do now/' 

'' Do not only pray for me, but praise God 
for his unspeakable mercy to me, and in 
particular for keeping Satan from me in this 
my weakness. O how good is God! Always 
4?ntertain good thoughts of him. However 
it be with us, we cannot think too well of 
him, or too badly of ourselves." 

''\ praise God he supports me and keeps 
off Satan ; beg that 1 may hold out. I am 
now a good way homeward, but quite spent. 
I am now near the shore, and leave you toss- 
ing on the sea. O, it is a good time to die 
in!" 

^' I am in no great pain, I praise God ; 

only weary of my unuseful life. If God hath 

any more service for me to do here, lam 

willing to do it^ though my infirm body be 

>ery weary." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 181 

On one occasion. 
'' O this Iiath been a sweet day! I have 
had sweet communion with God in Jesus 
Christ/' 

On being asked why he would depart, 

'' I now do no good, and I hinder others^ 

who might be better employed if 1 were not. 

Why should any desire to live, but to do God 

service ? and as I now cease from that^ I do 

not live/' 

To his son. 

'' Pray with me. It is the last time pro- 
bably that I shall ever join with you. — ?>Iy 
sabbath is not far off, and vour's is at hand. 
Ere that, I shall be rid of all my trouble, and 
vou will be eased of some/* 



Rev. THOMAS HARRISON, [P. B.] London. 
Died, A. D. 1702. Et. 35, 

'^O how sweet will rest be to me after mv 
weary labour'/' 

^' God is my God, and I have his gracious 
presence with me." 

*^' O how precious is the blood of Christ, 
and how excellent the union between Christ 
and believers, for 'tis indissoluble!" 

'' O how refreshing will be the streams of 
the river of God/' 



182 DYING SAYINGS 

LADY ELIZABETH HASTINGS. Died, 
A. D. 1740. 

^' I would not wish to be out of my present 
situation^ for all the world ; nor exchange it 
for any other^ at any price.'' 

A short time before her departure. 
'^ Lord^ what is it that I see ? O the great- 
ness of the glory that is revealed in me — that 
is before me!" 



Rev. GEORGE HERBERT, Rector of Beniertoii, 

Wilts., Author of " The Temple, or Sacred 
Poeius/' &c. Died, A. D. 1635. Mi. 42. 

Message he sent to a friend. 
^' I pray give my brother Ferrar an ac- 
count of the decaying condition of my body, 
and tell him I beg him to continue his daily 
prayers for me; and let him know, that I have 
considered, that God only is what he would 
be; and that I am^ by his grace, become 
now so hke him, as to be pleased with what 
pleaseth him ; and tell him, that I do not re- 
pine, but am pleased with my want of health ; 
and tell him my heart is fixed on that place 
where true joy only is to be found ; and that 
I long to be there, and do wait for my ap- 
pointed change with hope and patience. — 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 183 

Sir, I pray deliver this little book [his poems] 
to my brother Ferrar^ and teil him, he shall 
find in it a picture of the many spiritual con- 
flicts that have passed between God and my 
soul, before I could subject mine to the will 
of Jesus my Master, in whose service 1 have 
now found perfect freedom ; desire him to 
read it ; and then, if he can think it may turn 
to the advantage of any dejected poor soul, 
let it be made public ; if not, let him burn it, 
for I and it are less than the least of God's 
mercies/' 

^' I now look back upon the pleasures of 
my life past, and see the content I have taken 
in beauty, in wit and music, and pleasant 
conversation, are now all past by me like a 
dream, or as a shadow that returns not, and 
are now all become dead to me, or I to them ; 
and I see that, as my father and generation 
have done before me, so I also shall now sud • 
denly (with Job ) make my bed also in the 
dark; and I praise God I am prepared for 
it; and I praise him, that I am not to learn 
patience, now I stand in such need of it ; and 
that I have practised mortification, and en- 
deavoured to die daily, that I might not die 
eternally • and my hope is, that I shall shortly 
leave this valley of tears^ and be free from 
all fevers and pain ; and, which will be a 



184 DYING SAYINGS 

more happy condition, I shall be free from 
sIrj and all the temptations and anxieties that 
attend it; and this being past, I shall dwell 
in the New Jerusalem — dwell there witi^. men 
made perfect— dwell where the^e eyes shall 
see my Master and Saviour Jesus — and w ith 
him see my dear mother, and all my relations 
and fritnds. —But I must die, or not conie 
to that liapi)y place: and this is my content, 
that I am going daily towards it, and that 
every day which I have lived hath taken a 
part of my appointed time from me; and that 
I shall live the less time, for having lived this 
and the day past.'* 

On calling for a mndcal mstrument. 
'' Mv God, my God, 
Mj music shall find thee, 

And every string 
Shall have his attribute to sing." 

Having tuned kis instrument, he sung — 
** The Sundays of man's life, 

Threaded together on time's string, 
Make bracelets to adorn the wife 

Of the eternal glorious King. 
On Sundays heaven's door stands ope; 

Blessings are plentiful and rise 

More plentiful than hope." 

To a friend, on the dag of his death. 

'' My dear friend, I am sorry I have no- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 185 

thing to present to my merciful God but sin 
and misery; but the first is pardoned; and a 
few hours will now put a period to the lat- 
ter; fori shall suddenly go hence^ and be no 
more seen." 

On some of his good works of notoriety being named. 
^'They be good works, if they be sprinkled 
with the blood of Christy and not otherwise/' 
Last words, at the moment of dying, 

'' Lord, forsake me not, now my strength 
faileth me; but grant me mercy for the me- 
rits of my Jesus. And now. Lord — Lord, 
receive mv soul !'' 



Rev. Mr. HERRING, of Wales, subsequenllj 
Co-Minister of the English Church, Amsterdam, 
Died, A. D. 1644. JEt. 62. 

After strong temptations, the night before he died. 
'' He [death] is overcome, overcome^ 
overcome, through the strength of my Lord 
and only Saviour Jesus, to whom I am now 
going to keep a sabbath in glory.*' 

Rev. JAMES HERVEY^, A. M., Rector of Weston 
Faveil, near Northampton, Author of Meditations, 
&c. Died, A. D. 175B. iEt. 45. 

Oil Dr. Stonehouse, his physician, desiring him to spare 
himself in speaking, 

'' No, doctor, no. You tell me that I have 

but a few moments to live. O let me spend 



186 DYING SAYINGS 

them in adoring our great Redeemer. Though 
my flesh and my heart fail me, yet God is the 
strength of my heart, and ray portion for 
ever/' 

^^^ All things are yours, life and death, for 
ye are Christ's.' Here is the treasure of a 
Christian. Death is reckoned among this 
inventory — and a noble treasure it is. How 
thankful am I for death, as it is the passage 
through which i pass to the Lord and Giver 
of life; and as it frees me from all this misery 
you now see me endure, and which I am will- 
ing to endure as long as God thinks fit ; for f 
know he will, bye and bye, in his own good 
time, dismiss me from the body. These light 
afflictions are but for a moment, and then 
comes an eternal weight of glory. Oh, wel- 
come, welcome death ! thou mayest well 

be reckoned among the treasures of the 
Christian. To live is Christy but to die is 
gain." 

'' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant de- 
part in peace, according to thy most holy and 
comfortable word ; for mine eyes have seen 
thy precious salvation. Here, doctor, is my 
cordial. What are all cordials to the dying, 
compared to the salvation of Christ? This, 
this supports me." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. l87 

BEXJAMIN HEWLING. ^t. 22. WILLIAM 

HEWLIN6, his Brother, ^t. 20. Nephews 
of William Kiffin, Merchant, of London. The 
former Brother executed at Lyme, and the latter 
at Taunton, eighteen days after, A. D. 1685, by 
order of the notorious Judge Jefferies, 

Their expressions on being sent to Newgate. 
'' x\ny thing that pleaseth God — ^what he 
sees best^ so be it — we know he is able to 
deliver; but if not, blessed be his nanie> 
death is not terrible now, but desirable.'* 

Benjamin Hewling's expressions, 
''As for the world, there is nothing in it 
to make it worth while to live, except we 
may be serviceable to God therein — Oh ! 
God is a strong refuge, I have found him 
so indeed." 



'' Oh ! blessed be God for afflictions! I 
have found such happy effects from them, 
thatl would not have been without them for 
all the world." 

William Hewling's expressions. 
'' Methinks I find my spiritual comforts 
increasing ever since my sentence. "^ There 
is no condemnation to them who are in Christ 
Jesus. It is God that justifies; who shall 
condemn?' '' 



188 DYING SAYINGS 

On the day before he was executed, 
'' He [God] knows what the temptations 
of life might have been. I might have lived 
and forgotten God; but now I am going 
where I shall sin no more. — Oh! it is a 
blessed thing to be freed from sin and to be 
with Christ. — Oh! the riches of the love of 
God in Christy to sinners. — Oh! how great 
were the sufferings of Christ for me ; beyond 
all I can undergo? How great is that glory 
to which I am going ! It will soon swallow 
up all our sufferings here." 

When takimj his dinner, 
*^^0h! the grace of God! — the love of 
Christ ! Oh ! that bl( ssed supper of the 
Lamb! To be for ever with the Lord.'' — 
''Give my particular recommendations to nil 
my friends^ with acknovvledgments for all 
their kindnesses. I advise them all to make 
sure of an interest in Christy for he is the 
only comfort when we come to die." 

O/i passing between Lyme and Dorchester to execution. 

'^ This is a glorious creation ; but what 
then is the paradise of God, to which we are 
going ! 'tis but a few hours, and we shall be 
there and for ever with the Lord." 

To a fellow -sufferer, on re fdinr/ John , \i v, 18. 

'' Here is a sweet promise for us, ' I will 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 189 

not leave you comfortless; I will come unto 
you.' Christ will be with us to the last." 

To one who took leave of him, 
'' Farewell till we meet in heaven. Pre- 
sently I shall be with Christ. Oh ! I would 
not change conditions with any in this world 
— I would not stay behind for ten thousand 
worlds/' 

To another. 
^' Pray remember my dear love to my bro- 
ther and sister^ and tell them I desire they 
would comfort themselves^ that I am gone 
to Christ, and we shall quickly meet in the 
glorious Zion above." 

At the moment of execution. 
*^0h! now my joy and comfort is, that I 
have a Christ to go to!" 



Mr, Benjamin Hcwling, on hearing of his brother^s 
death, 

■' We have no cause to fear deaths if the 

presence of God be with us. There is no 

evil in it, the sting being taken away. It is 

nothing but our ignorance of the glory which 

the saints pass into by death, that makes it 

appear dark for ourselves or our relations. 

If we be in Christ, what is this world th^t 



190 DYING SAYINGS 

we should desire an abode in it ? It is all 
vain and unsatisfying; full of sin and misery/' 

*^ Perhaps my friends may think this sum- 
mer the saddest of my life ; but I bless God 
it hath been the sweetest and most happy of 
it all. Nay, there is nothing else worth the 
name of happiness. I have in vain sought 
satisfaction from the things of this worlds 
but I never found it. But now I have found 
rest for my soul in God alone. Oh! how 
great is our blindness by nature, that till God 
open our eyes, we can see no excellency in 
spiritual things; but spend our precious 
time in pursuing shadows, and remain deaf 
to all the invitations of grace and the glorious 
offers of the gospel! How just is God in 
depriving us of that which we so much 
slighted and abused ! Oh! his infinite pa- 
tience and goodness, that, after all he should 
yet sanctify any methods to bring a poor sin- 
ner to himself. Oh! electing love! — distin- 
guishing grace! what great cause have I to 
admire and adore it!" 

^' What an amazing condescension is the 
suffering of Christ for sin, to bring us to 
God ! His sufferings from wicked men were 
exceeding great • but alas ! what were these 
to the dolors of his soul under the infinite 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 191 

wrath of God. This mystery of grace and 
love is enough to swallow up our thoughts 
to all eternity/" 

Respecting his death, 

^•I know God is infinitely able to deliver^ 
and I am sure he will do it^ if it be for his 
glory and my good ; in which I bless God I 
am fully satisfied. It is all my desire that 
he would chuse for me, and then I am sure 
it will be best, whatever it be. For, truly, 
unless God has some work for me to do in 
the world, for his service and glory, I see 
nothing else to make life desirable. In the 
present state of affairs, there is nothing to 
cast our eyes upon but sin, sorrow, and mise- 
ry. And, indeed, were things ever so accord- 
ing to our desires, in the present state of 
affairs, it is but the world still, which will 
never be a resting place. Heaven is the only 
state of rest and happiness. There we shall 
be perfectly freed from sin and temptation, 
and enjoy God without interruption forever.'* 

'' With reference to the glory of God, the 
prosperity of the gospel, and the delivery of 
the people of God, we have great cause to 
lament it; but for that outward prosperity 
that would have accompanied it, it is but of 
small moment in itself, as it could not satisfy. 



192 DYING SAYINGS 

SO neither could it have been abiding. For, 
at longest, death would have put an end to 
it all. Nay, perhaps we might have been so 
foolish as to have been taken with that part 
of it, with the neglect of our eternal con- 
cerns; and then I am sure our present cir- 
cumstances are incomparably better/' 

**^ If my death may advance God's glory, 
and hasten the deliverance of his people, it 
is enough." 

On a rumour that no nwre were to die. 

^^ I don't know what God hath done be- 
yond our expectations. If he doth prolong 
my life, I am sure it is his — all his own, — 
and by his grace I will wholly devote it to 
him." 

^^ ^ And there shall be no more curse; but 
the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be 
in it; and his servants shall serve him. And 
they shall see his face; and his name shall 
be on their foreheads. And there shall be 
no night there, and they need no candle, 
neither light of the sun ; for the Lord God 
giveth them light: and they shall reign for 
ever and ever.* Oh ! what a happy state is 
this! Shall we be loth to go and enjoy it?" 
On the manner of his death. 

■' When I have considered others under 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 193 

these circumstances^ I have thought it very 
dreadful; but nov^ God hath called me to 
it^ I bless God^ I have quite other apprehen- 
sions of it I can now cheerfully embrace 
it as an easy passage to glory ; and though 
death separates us from the enjoyment of each 
other here, it will be but a very short time, 
and then we shall meet in such enjoyments 
as now we cannot conceive, and for ever re- 
joice in each other's happiness/' 

On reading the Bible. 
'^ O ! what an invaluable treasure is this 
blessed word of God in all conditions. Here 
is a store of strong consolation." 

To one desiring his Bible. 
'' No ! this shall be my companion to the 
last moment of my life." 



Rev. FRxlNCIS HIGGINSON. M. A., of Ema- 
nuel College, Cambridge. [N. C.J Died, in New- 
England, America, A. D. 1630. lEU 43. 

''I have been but an unprofitable servant: 
and all my own doings I count but loss and 
dung. All my desire is to win Christy and 
to be found in him; not having my own 
righteousness.'' 



194 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. JOH]^ HOLLAND, [P.] 
On calling for his Bible, 
^^ Come, O come; death approaches : let 
us gather some flowers to comfort this hour. '* 



^^ Now, farewell world; welcome heaven. 
The day star from on high hath visited my 
heart. O speak it when I am gone, and 
preach it at my funeral ; God dealeth fa- 
miliarly with man. I feel his mercy; I see 
his majesty; whether in the body or out of 
the body, I cannot tell ; God knoweth : but 
1 see things that are unutterable.'' 

^^ Ah, yet it will not be. My sins 

keep me from my God.'* 



^^ O what a happy change shall I make ! 
From death to life! From sorrow to solace! 
From a factious world to a heavenly being! 
O my dear brethren, sisters, and friends, it 
pitieth me to leave you behind. Yet re- 
member my death, when I am gone ; and 
what I now feel, I hope you shall find ere 
you die, that God doth and will deal fami- 
liarly with men. And now, thou fiery cha- 
riot, that earnest down to fetch up Elijah, 
carry me to my happy hold. And all ye 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 195 

blessed angels^ who attended the soul of 
Lazarus to bring it up to heaven^ bear me, 
O bear me into the bosom of my best be- 
loved. Amen, amen. Come, Lord Jesus; 
come quickly.*' 



Rev. RICHARD HOOKER, Rector of Bishop's 
Bourne, Kent, Author of "Ecclesiastical Polity," 
&c. Died, A. D. 1600. ^t. 47. 

To a friend. 

^^ 1 have lived to see this v^orld is made up 
of perturbations, and I have been long pre- 
paring to leave it, and gathering comfort for 
the dreadful hour of making my account 
with God, which I now apprehend to be 
near: and though I have by his grace loved 
him in my youth and feared him in mine age, 
and laboured to have a conscience void of 
offence to him and to all men; yet, if thou, 
O Lord, be extreme to mark what I have 
done amiss, who can abide it? And, there- 
fore, where 1 have failed. Lord, shew mercy 
to me ; for 1 plead not my righteousness, 
but the forgiveness of my unrighteousness, 
for his merits who died to purchase a pardon 
for penitent sinners. And since I owe thee 
a death. Lord, let it not be terrible, and then 

k2 



196 DYING SAYINGS 

take thine own time; I submit to it! Let 
not mine, O Lord, but let thy will be done! *' 
'' Good doctor, God hath heard my daily 
petitions ; for I am at peace with all men, 
and he is at peace with me; and from which 
blessed assurance, I feel that inward joy 
which this world can neither give nor take 
from me/* 



Dr. JOHN HOOPER, Bishop of Gloucester. 
Martyred, A. D, 1555. 

Prayer at the stake. 
*^ Lord, I am hell ; but thou art heaven: 
thou art a gracious and merciful Redeemer ; 
have mercy therefore upon me, a most mise- 
rable and wretched offender, after thy great 
mercy, and according to thy inestimable 
goodness. Thou art ascended into heaven ; 
receive me to be a partaker of thy joys there, 
where thou sittest in equal glory with thy 
Father. For well thou knowest wherefore 
I am come hither to suffer, and why the 
wicked do persecute thy poor servant; not 
for my transgressions against thee, but be- 
cause I will not allow of their wicked doings, 
to the contaminating of thy blood, and the 
denial of the knowledge of thy truth ; where- 
in it did please thee, by thy Holy Spirit, to 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 197 

instruct me. With as much diligence as a 
poor wretch might, being thereto called^ I 
have set forth thy glorj. Thou seest, O 
Lord my God^ what terrible torments and 
cruel pains are prepared for a poor creature ; 
even such^ Lord^ as without thy strength^ no 
one is able to bear^ or patiently to pass : but 
that which is impossible to man, is possible 
with thee : therefore strengthen me, of thy 
goodness, that in the fire 1 break not the 
rules of patience; or else assuage the terror 
of the pains, as shall seem fittest for thy 
glory.^' 

'^ I doubt not but God will give me strength 
to abide the extremity of the fire without 
binding." 

In the flames. 

'' O Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy 
on me, and receive my soul!'' 

Last words, 
'' Lord Jesus, receive my spirit \" 



Rev. JOHN HOOPER, A. ISl. [I.] Classical 
Tutor of Hoxton College, London. Died, A. D. 
1825, MU 45. 

''Forgiveness with thee, the great and ho- 
ly God ! this shall support me/' 



198 DYING SAYINGS 

After a severe attack of Ids disorder, 
'^Now^ Dealh^ do your worst/' 

Rev. Dr. HOPKINS, [I.] Salem, North Ame- 
rica. Died, A. D. 1815. ^t. 81. 

^^My soul is safe.'* 

''I feel more comfort than I ever felt be- 
fore in my life.'' 

'' Farewell ! Farewell ! All hail ! All 
hail!" 

" * Jesus, with all thy saints above, 
My tongue would bear her part. 

Would sound aloud thy saving love, 
And sing th}' bleeding heart.' " 



EDWARD HOPKINS, Esq. Governor of Con- 
necticut, in New England. Died, A. D. 1657. 
Mi. 57. 

Under temptation, 

'^ O pray for me, for I am in extreme 
darkness.'* 



^^ O Lord, thou hast kept the best wine 
till the last ! O, friends, could you believe 
this ? I shall be blessed for ever. I shall 
quickly be in eternal glory. Now let the 
world count me vile, and call me hypocrite, 
or what they will, I regard it not : I shall 
be blessed. There is reserved for me a crown 
of glory. O, blessed be God for Jesus 



OiF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 199 

Christ ! I have heretofore thought it a hard 
thing to die^ but now I find it is not so. If 
I might chuse^ I would now die. O^ my 
Lordj I pray thee send me not back into this 
vile world. I have enough of it. No, Lord; 
now take me to the kingdom and glory pre- 
pared for me." 

^^ I am sensibly satisfied of everlasting 
glory/' 

To some persons of distinction. 

^^ Sirs, take heed to your hearts^ while you 
are in your work for God^, that there be no 
boot of bitterness cherished in them. It may 
be pretended, your desires are to serve God ; 
but if, at the same time, you have secret aims 
of advancing yourselves and your own inte- 
rests, the Lord will not accept your services 
as pure before him/' 



LADY MARGARET HOUGHTON, Diecl,A.D. 
1657. 

"^'Though the Lord slay me^ yet will I 
trust in him/' 

'' Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.'' 

^' I rest upon Christ, and upon Christ 
alone, for heaven and salvation." 

''He hath delivered, and he doth deliver, 
and I trust in him that he will deliver me 
still/' 



200 DYING SAYINGS 

'^ Hold out faith^ and anon thou wilt come 
to vision." 

To weeping friends, 

'' Weep nol for me, but weep for your- 
selves. Why should you weep for me, who 
am going to my Christ, and to those joys 
prepared by him!" 

'^O when will that blessed hour come?'' 

"^^O! that I were dissolved, that I might 
be with Christ!'' 

'' I will wait. Lord, 1 will wait till my 
change shall come." 



Mrs. HORNE, [W. M.] Wife of the Rev. Mr. 

Home, Missionary in Jamaica. Died, A. D. 
18 i 9. ^t. 26. 

On being asked the state of her mind towards God, 
^' I hope he will finish the work he has 
begun." 

" ' Not a cloud shall arise, to darken the skies, 
Or hide for a moment the Lord from my eyes.' " 

*^'An abundant entrance shall be ministered 
unto me into the everlasting kingdom of our 
Lord Jesus Christ." 

'* ' The opening heavens around me shine, 

With beams of heavenly bliss, 
While Jesus shews his mercy mine. 

And whispers I am his.' " 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 201 

On being asked if she preferred death or life, 
'' I have no choice now ; I cannot wish 
anything now but God's will. I am alto- 
gether at his disposal/' 



^' Glory, ^\oYy be to God! I can praise 
him. There is not a cloud between ray soul 
and my God. From ray childhood I have 
feared him. My gracious Saviour is now 
with me; Jesus is here! He is precious to 
ray soul. Oh, if I had now to seek salva- 
tion, what would become of me ; but, thank 
God! the work is not now to be done!' 

Under the attacks of the great tempter, 
'' O thou robber! vain is thy attempt; for 
Jesus is here." 

Last words, 

''My God!"— 



JOHN HOWARD, Esq,, the great Philanthropist. 
Died, A. D. 17D0. iEt. 64. 

'' My immortal spirit I cast on the sove- 
reign mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, 
who is the Lord, my strength, and my song; 
and, I trust, has become ray salvation. My 
desire is to be washed, cleansed, and justified 
in the blood of Christ, and to dedicate my- 

K 3 



202 DYING SAYINGS 

self to that Saviour who has bought us with 
a price/' 

To Admiral Priestman, his friend. 

^' Priestman, you style this a dull conver- 
sation^ and endeavour to divert my mind from 
dwelling upon death; but I entertain very 
different sentiments. Death has no terrors 
forme: it is an event I always looked to 
with cheerfulness^ if not with pleasure; and 
be assur^d^ the subject is more grateful to 
me than any other." 



Mrs. ANN HULTON, youngest Daughter of the 
Rev. Philip Henry. Died, A. D. 1697. ^t. 29. 

'' I know whom I have trusted." 

'' I am not weary of living, but I am weary 
of sinning: I would live as Christ lives, 
and tvhere Christ lives^ and that I am sure 
will be in heaven/' 

^' There are many passages in the Psalms 
not so proper for us but at such a time as 
this; as that, '3Iy flesh and my heart fail, 
but God is the strength of my heart and my 
portion for ever/ " 

•' Let none think the worse of religion^ or 
of our family worship, for the afflictions 
that are in our families, nor have a hard 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 203 

thought of God^ for, however it be^ yet God 
is good.*' 

'' I know the great God can do me no 
wreng. Who would desire to go so niany 
steps back, which must some time or other 
be gone over again, when now I have but 
one stile more, and I shall be at home/' 

'' I have hope in my death, for Christ hath 
said, 'Because I live, ye shall live also." 

^^ I have distrusted God, and am ashamed 
of it, for God is truth/' 

'''You are miserable comforters, but Jesus 
Christ is my abiding portion.*' 

'' I shall now be gathered to my people, 
and I have loved those that are godly, both 
poor and rich/' 

'' Blessed be God for the scriptures now/' 

'' Here is nothing but tohu and bohu (re- 
terring to Genesis, i, % original,) confusion 
and emptiness, but it will not be so long." 



Rev. WILLIAM HUMPHRYES, [I.] Ham- 
mersmith. Died, A. D. 1808. ^t. 40. 

'^ I can truly say with Archbishop Usher, 
Let me die with the language of the poor 
publican, ^God be merciful to me a sinner.* '' 

'' Of late I have had many sleepless nights^ 



204 DYING SAYINGS 

but not one heavy hour; for in the multi- 
tude of my thoughts within me^ his comforts 
delight my soul/' 

^"^I have often made it matter of prayer, 
that if this sickness should be unto deaths I 
may experience my mind more and more 
weaned from earthly objects, and that I may 
not prefer earth to heaven, and now I find 
that my prayer is answered/' 

'' O that I may do good with my dying 
breath !'' 

^^My mind is fixed upon Christ. Those 
parts of the word of God which speak of 
Christ, whether prophetical or historical, 
are the most sweet and precious to me; and 
I can say, that I have more than a hope of 
interest in his love." 

'''It has frequently been my prayer that I 
might die with my dear people, and that in 
my dying moments I might testify the reality 
and importance of those things, which I 
have taught them from the pulpit.'' 

On heivg seized with shortness of breath ^ in the cold 
^ air, after riding with a friend, 

*^^ What a mercy it was, on your account, 
that I was not taken off! But whilst I was 
in that state, I said to myself. Are you satis- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 205 

fied with your hope ? I replied^ Yes^ I am ; 
I know the foundation of it." 

^*^If I am but strong in the Lord and in 
the power of his mighty that will be suffi- 
cient." 

'' Regard the sabbath for the good of 
your precious soul. Remember that will 
live after your body is dead. That will live 
for ever." 

^*^What a blessed thing to know^ that 
when flesh and heart fail^ God will be the 
strength of our hearts^ and our portion for 

ever." 

To a young pei'son of hisjlock, 

'' Love the truth — live the truth." 
To several of his people, 

'' In Christ— he is the only refuge for a 
poor sinner. That plan of salvation which 
secures the honour of God^ and the eternal 
happiness of the sinner^ is the glory of the 
gospel. 1 am a sinner saved by grace. We 
deserve damnation^ but Christ has suffered 
and died for us. Excuse my plainness ; I 
am going, and I speak as one that must give 
account. I thank God for all your kind 
favours. The mercy of the Lord be with 
you all." 

^^ Right— well"— 



206 DYING SAYINGS 

Last word. 
^^ Rejoice!" 



Rev. ANDREW HUNTER, D. D., [3. P.] one 

of the Ministers of the Tron Church, and Pro- 
fessor of Divinity in the University of Edinburgh. 
Died, A. D. 1809. Mu m. 

'^ The prospect of meeting with thosp pre- 
cious friends who have gone before me is 
most enlivening; but it is nothing when 
compared with the assurance of being with 
Christ which is far better. I am dying in 
peace with God and man : I die in the firm 
belief of the certainty and importance of the 
everlasting truths which I have declared to 
others. This body shall moulder into dust; 
but I know that Christ shall raise it up at 
the last day." 

^' I am ready to use every means for res- 
toration; but think it probable I shall not 
recover. What a pleasing prospect to a 
Christian, that he is going homel^ — for to 
die, is to go home indeed, — to be with Christ 
for ever." 

'^I am sensible that my dissolution is fast 

approaching 1 shall be ever with the 

Lord!" 

On a medical friend asking him how he had passed a 
night, 

'^I am free of pain; and am going fast 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 207 

into the eternal world ! I have had much 
delight through the nighty in committing my 
family to God/' 

'' None but Christ ! — none but Christ !'' 



COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. Died, A. D, 
1791. ^t. 84. 

^^\ am well; all is well! well for ever! 
I see^ wherever I turn my eyes^ whether I live 
or die^ nothing but victory,'* 

^' The coming of the Lord draweth nigh! 
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh! — - 
the thought fills my soul with joy unspeak- 
able^ whether I shall see his glory more 
.abundantly appear, or whether it be an inti- 
mation of my own departure to him.*' 

^' All the little ruffles and difficulties which 
surround me, and all the pains I am exercised 
with in this poor body, through mercy, affect 
not the settled peace and joy of my soul.'' 

''\ see myself a poor worm, drawing near 
to Jesus. What hope could I entertain, if 
I did not know the efficacy of his blood, and 
turn as a prisoner of hope to this hold ? How 
little could any thing of mine give a moment's 
rest to a departing soul ! So much sin and 
self mixed with the best, and always so short 
of what we owe ! — 'Tis well for us that he 



I 



208 DYING SAYINGS 

can pity and pardon ; and we have confidence 
that he will do so. — I confess I have no hope 
but that which inspired the dying malefactor 
at the side of my Lord ; and I must be saved 
in the same way^ as freely, as fully^, or not at 
all/' 

^"^A sinner can only rest satisfactorily on 
one foundation, and will find nothing in the 
best works of his best days that he can dare 
to produce before God for their own sake; 
sufficiently blessed and secure^ if he can but 
cry^ God be merciful to me a sinner, and let 
me be found in the beloved, and complete in 
him/^ 

'*^I cannot tell you in what light I now 
see these words • ^ If a man love me, he will 
keep my words, and my Father will love 
him, and we will come unto him, and make 
our abode with him/ To have in this room 
such company, and to have such an eternal 
prospect ! I see this subject in a light im- 
possible to be described. I know my capa- 
city will be then enlarged ; but I am now as 
sensible of the presence of God, as I am of 
the presence of those I have with me/"' 
Last recorded words, 
'' My work is done; I have nothing to do 
but to go to my Father." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 209 

JOHN HUSS, Martyred at Constance, A. D. 1415. 
^t. 39. 

On a paper crown y painted with devils , being put on 
his head. 

'' My Lord Jesus Christy for my sake^ 
wore a crown of thorns. Why should not 
\, then^ for his sake^ wear this light crown^ 
however ignominious? Truly^ I will^ and 
that willingly.'' 

'' I commit my spirit into thy hands^ O 
Lord Jesus Christ; to thee I commend my 
spirit, which thou hast redeemed.'' 

At the stake. 

^^ Lord Jesus Christy assist and help me^ 
that with a constant and patient mind^ by thy 
most gracious succour^ I may endure this 
cruel and ignominious deaths to which I am 
condemned for preaching thy most holy 
gospel." 

On being chained to the stake. 

'^1 willingly receive the chain for Christ's 
sake^ who was bound with a far worse." 

On the fire being kindled. 
^^ Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, 
have mercy upon me !" 



210 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. JOSEPH HUSSEY, [I.] London. Died, 
A. D. 1726. Mt. 66. 

^' I am in the firm and full persuasion of 
all those truths I have preached, and die in 
the firm belief of them all.*' 

^' Mj pain is from the hand of a fatlier, 
and in faithfulness and wisdom does he all 
this; his counsels shall stand, and he will 
do all his pleasure.'' 

'' I am just upon the borders of eternity : 
I long to see Jesus." 

^^I have no quarrel with any here, but 
am in a sweet forgiving, forgetting frame of 
spirit to those that have hard thoughts of 
me." 

^^I am waiting for my happy change, to 
be dissolved and be with Christ." 

^^ I have no palate for any thing here, but 
my spiritual one is as good as ever, to relish 
the doctrines of the gospel." 

''I find now the truth of what I have 
preached. They [referring to his doctrines] 
are not my notions or fancy, but the power 
of Christ to my soul.'' 

^^I have often sung the praises of God in 
the low lands; but oh! how long will it be 
before I come to the heights of Zion, to sing 
to God and the Lamb upon the throne. — 



OP EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 211 

Oh^ blessed death ! it is a sweet thing to die , 
for Christ will then be all and in all. — Oh, 
the security there is in Christ! and after 
death the judgment; but the same that se- 
cures from the one^ doth from the other also. 
Ah^ Lord^ I have served thee here in clouds, 
and amongst smoke and darkness ; but come^ 
Lord Jesus, that I may praise thee in the 
regions of light. — O when shall I put off 
this corrupt body of sin and death ! — Bless 
the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his 
benefits. — O Lord, gather thine elect out of 
this sinful world unto thyself. — How kind 
and merciful a Father have I! — It is the 
hand of my Father, and I will kiss the rod. 
— O blessed be God for Jesus Christ, and 
for the Spirit of Christ, and for the promises 
of Christ 1 — O that I could experience more 
of his love and power! — O for more disco- 
veries of the arms of the mighty God of Ja- 
cob! — O for the salvation of Israel!'" 

'^^'My state is sure/' 

^^O Lord Jesus, give me more patience 
under these smart strokes of thy hand. Let 
not my soul be overwhelmed through pain, 
but bring my feet out of the net, and lead 
me to the Rock higher than L'' 

^"^ I long to be in glory. — 1 was born into 



^12 DYING SAYINGS 

this world a sinner^ but I have been born 
into the church by grace, and I long to be 
born into glory. — O how long are thy cha- 
riot wheels a-coming to take me to my sweet 
Jesus V 

To his daughter, 
*^^ Weep not: is not Christ better than an 
earthly father ?'* 

To his wife. 

^' Christ is better than a creature.'* 



^^I have faith, but my patience fails me." 

'' Blessed be God for Christ the surety of 
the covenant." 

^^ It is thy mouth Rooking upwards] that 
hath pronounced the sentence, because it is 
thy mouth that hath promised the blessing." 

^'Blessing, glory, honour, and praise be 
to God and the Lamb for ever and ever. — - 
Sin is dreadful, but grace triumphs through 

Jesus Christ. Lord, be with me in my 

last conflicts, and leave me not. O let me 
have an abundant entrance into glory to sing 
thy praise." 

To members of his church, by his bed side. 
^[l thank you and all the brethren and 
sisters, especially those who have shewn so 
much kindness to me, in visiting me in my 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 213 

illness. — The Lord pour out his spirit upon 
you. — The grace of our Lord Jesus Christy 
the love of God the Father^ the sweet and 
comfortable fellowship of the Holy Ghost^ 
be with you all evermore. Amen/' 



Rev. JOHN HYATT, [C. M.] Died, A.D. 182G, 

^t. 59. 

*^ Thy will bedone.'^ 

^' If it be the will of God to spare me a 
little longer to serve hira^ I would willingly 
stay ; but if I have finished this work^ I have 
no desire to continue here." 

'' I desire not to murmur : I have not one 
moment's ease; but God is an unchangeable 
God ; he will support me. Ah^ dear Lord^ 
I shall soon be with thee; my work is done 
— I shall soon be at rest for ever.*' 

^^\ am very happy/' 

On being asked if he could cast an hundred souls upon 
Christ, at that moment, when he was within a few 
hours of death > he replied — 

''A MILLION !" 



IGjSTATIUS. Martvred at Rome, A. D. 107. 
iEt. m. 

'' Let fire^ cross^ breaking of bones^ divid- 
ing of my members^ crushing of my body^ 



S14 DYING SAYINGS 

and all the torments that man and the devil 
can invent^ fall upon me, provided 1 may 
but enjoy my Lord Jesus Christ/* 

'^ I am God's corn : when the wild beasts 
have ground me to powder with their teeth, 
I shall be his white bread/' 



Rev. EDWARD DUDLEY JACKSON, [1.] 
Warminster, Wilts. Died, A. D. 1803. Mt 34. 

0>i being recommended to discontinue preaching, when 
his illness began, 

'' It is of all trials the most painful to me ; 
I am even now afraid to give it up ; and 
think I should prefer dying in it^ to living 
out of it.'* 

On his danger being announced to him. 
*^ ' If sin be pardon'd l*m secure, 

Death has no sting beside; 
The law gave sin its damning power, 

But Christ my ransom died.' *' 

To his attendants, 

^' Oh^ live near to God ; that is the way to 
live comfortable and die happy. 

* Firm as the earth thy gospel stands, 
Mj Lord, my hope, my trust; 

If I am found in Jesus' hands. 
My soul can ne'er be lost.' '' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 215 

On one observing the blessedness of his states having 
nothing to do in his dying moments. 

^' If 1 am saved^ it must be as a poor sin- 
ner, by grace alone."' 

To his wife. 

^^ My dear Mary^ I commit you to the 
care of a covenant God/' 

** * He will not always chide, 
And when bis strokes are felt, 

His strokes are fewer than our crimes, 
And lighter than our guilt/ " 

^^ O Lord, cut short thy work in righte- 
ousness, and let me enter into rest! — Lord 
Jesus, receive my spirit!" 

Last words, on seeing his friends affected. 

'' You must be pleased w^ith your Father/* 



Rev. Dr. THOMAS JACOMB, [N.C.] Died, A.D. 
1687, 

^^I am in the use of means, but I think 

my appointed time is come, that I must die. 

If my life might be serviceable to convert or 

build up one soul, I should be content to 

live; but if God hath no work for me to do, 

here I am, — let him do with me as hepleas- 

eth; but to be with Christ is best of all/' 

To a friend. 

^^ It will not be long before we meet in 



216 DYING SAYINGS 

heaven^ never to part more^ and there we 
shall be perfectly happy ; there neither your 
doubts and fears, nor my pains and sorrows 
shall follow us^ nor our sins^ which is best of 
all/' 



'' Death flies from me, I make no haste to 
my Father's house.'' 



JANE QUEEN OF NAVARRE, supposed to 
have been poisoned at the instigation of Queen 
Catherine de Medicis, Died, June 9, 1572. 
^t. 44. 

'' I receive all this as from the hand of 
God my most merciful Father; nor have I^ 
during my extremity^ feared to die, much less 
murmured against God for inflicting this 
chastisement upon me; knowing that what- 
soever he does with me, he so orders it, that 
in the end, it shall turn to my everlasting 
good/* 

'' I pray you do not weep for me, since 
God doth by this sickness call me hence to 
the enjoyment of a better life, and I am now 
entering the desired haven towards which 
this frail vessel of mine has been so long 
steering/' 

'^ Believing that Christ is my only Saviour 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 217 

and Mediator^ I look for salvation from none 
other^ knowing that he hath abundantly sa- 
tisfied for the sins of his people^ and there- 
fore I am assured that God for his sake^ 
according to his gracious promise in him^ 
will have mercy upon me/' 

'' O my God ! in thy due time deliver me 
from this body of deaths and from the mise- 
ries of the present life^ that 1 may no more 
offend thee^ and that I may attain to that 
felicity which thou in thy word hast pro- 
mised to bestow upon me/' 



Rev. JOHN JANEWAY, Fellow of King's Col- 
lege, Cambridge. Died, A. D. 1657. ^t. 24. 

In prospect of death. 

'' Oy is there any thing here more desirable 
than the enjoyment of Christ? Can I expect 
any thing below comparable to that blessed 
vision? O that crown! that rest which re- 
mains for the people of God ; and^ blessed 
be God, I can say I know it is mine.'* 

'' I know that when this tabernacle of clay 
shall be dissolved, I have a house not made 
with hands/' 

'' To me to live is Christ, and to die is 



gam. 



218 DYING SAYINGS 

To his relations, 
'^ I beg you to keep your minds in a sub- 
missive frame to the will of God concerning 
me. The Lord take you nearer to himself, 
that you may walk with him ; to whom, if I 
go before, I hope you will follow after!'' 



*^* What if the day of judgment were come, 
as it will most certainly come shortly? If I 
were sure the day of judgment were to begin 
within an hour, I should rejoice with all my 
heart. If at this very moment 1 should hear 
such thunderings and see such lightnings as 
Israel did at Mount Sinai, my very heart 
would leap for joy. But this I am confi. 
dent of, through infinite mercj^, that the very 
meditation of that day hath even ravished 
ray soul, and the thought of the certainty 
and nearness of it is more refreshing to me 
than the comforts of the whole world/" 

To his inoiher, when near faint in y , 
'^ Dear mother, I am dying; but I beseech 
you be not troubled; for I am, through 
mercy, quite above the fears of death. It is 
no great matter : I have nothing to trouble 
me but the apprehensions of your grief. I 
am going to him whom I love above life/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 219 

To his friends. 

'^ O that I could but let you know what I 
now feel! O that I could but show you 
what I now see! O that I could express the 
thousandth part of that sweetness which I 
now find in Christ! You would all think 
it well worth the while to make it your 
business to be religious. O^ my dear friends^ 
we little think what Christ is worth upon a 
death-bed. I would not for a world, nay^ 
for a million of worlds, be now without 
Christ and pardon. I would not for a world 
be to live any longer. The very thought 
of a possibility of recovery makes me even 
tremble.'' 

''O, how sweet is Jesus! Come, Lord 
Jesus, come quickly ! Death, do thy worst. 
Death has lost its terribleness. Death is 
nothing. I say, death is nothing, through 
grace, to me. I can as easily die as shut 
my eyes, or turn my head and sleep. 1 long 
to be with Christ — I long to diel" 
To his mother. 

'' Dear mother, I beseech you earnestly, as 
ever I desired any thing of you in all my 
life, that you would cheerfully give me up 
to Christ. I beseech you do not hinder me, 
now I am going to rest and glory. I am 

L 3 



220 



DYING SAYINGS 



afraid of jour prayers, lest they pull oneway 
and mine another/' 

To his brethren. 
^^"^ I charge you all, do not pray for my 
life any more. You do me wrong if you do. 

that glory, that unspeakable glory which 

1 behold ! My heart is full, my heart is 
full! Christ smiles, and I cannot but smile. 
Can you find in your heart to stop me, who 
am now going to the complete and everlast- 
ing enjoyment of Christ ? Would you keep 
me from my crown? The arms of my bless- 
ed Saviour are open to embrace me. The 
angels stand ready to carry my soul into his 
bosom. O, did you but see what I see, you 
would all cry out w ith me. How long, dear 
Lord, how long! Come, Lord Jesus, come 
quickly! O, why are his chariot wheels so 
long a-coming V 

To a minister discoursing on heaven. 
'' Sir, I feel something of it. My heart is 
as full as it can hold in this lower state. I 
can hold no more here. O that I could but 
let vou know what I feel!'' 



'' Hold out faith and patience ; yet a little 
while and your work is done/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 221 

^^ -^And what is the matter now^ O ray 
soul? What wilt thou? Canst thou thus 
slight this admirable and astonishing con- 
descension of God to thee ? Seems it a small 
matter that the great Jehovah should deal 
thus familiarly with this worm?" 



'' Stand astonished, O ye heavens ! and 
wonder^ O ye angels^ at this infinite grace ! 
Was ever any under heaven more beholden 
to free grace than I ? O bless the Lord with 
me ! Come^ let us shout for joy^ and boast 
in the God of our salvation. O help me to 
praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth for 
ever T" 



'^ Oy he is come ! he is come ! O, how 
sweety how glorious is the blessed Jesus ! — 
How shall I do to speak the thousandth part 
of his praises ! O for words to set forth a 
little of that excellency ! But it is inexpress- 
ible! O, how excellent^ glorious^ and lovely 
is the precious Jesus ! He is sweet. He is 
altogether lovely." 

^' O, my friends, stand and wonder; come, 
and look upon a dying man, and won- 
der. I cannot myself but wonder. Was 
there ever a greater kindness! Was there 
ever more sensible manifestations of rich 



222 



DYING SAYINGS 



grace! O, why me. Lord? — why me? — 
Sure, this is akin to heaven : and if I were 
never to enjoy any more than this, it were 
well worth all the torments men and devils 
could invent, to come through even a hell 
to such transcendent joys as these. If this 
be dying, dying is sweet. Let no Christian 
ever be afraid of dying. O, death is sweet 
to me ! This bed is soft. Christ's arms, 
his smiles, and visits, sure they would turn 
hell into heaven ! O that you did but see 
and feel what 1 do! Come, and behold a 
dying man more cheerful than ever you saw 
any healthful man in the midst of his sweet- 
est enjoyments. O, sirs, worldly pleasures 
are pitiful things, compared with one glimpse 
of his glory which shines so strongly into my 
soul. O, why should any of you be so sad, 
when I am so glad ! This, this is the hour 
that I have waited for.'* 

Shortly before he died. 
'' — O, why me. Lord? — why me?'' 

'^ Now, I want but one thing, and that is^ 
a speedy lift to heaven. O, help me, help 
me to praise and admire him that hath done 
such astonishing wonders for my soul ! Come, 
help me with praise : all is too little. Come. 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 223 

help me^ all ye glorious and mighty angels, 
who are skilful in this heavenly work of 
praise. Praise is now my work^ and I shall 
be engaged in that sweet employment for 
ever. Come, let us lift up our voice in praise ; 
I with you, as long as my breath doth last^ 
and when I have none I shall do it better."* 

'' More praise still ! O help me to praise 
him! I have nothing else to do. I have 
done with prayer, and all other ordinances. 
I have almost done with conversing with 
mortals. I shall presently be beholding 
Christ himself, that died for me^ and loved 
me, and washed me in his blood. I shall in 
a few hours be in eternity, singing the song 
of Moses, and the song of the Lamb. I shall 
presently stand upon Mount Sion with an 
innumerable company of angels, and the 
spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus the 
Mediator of the new covenant. I shall hear 
the voice of much people, and be one 
amongst them which say, Hallelujah^ salva- 
tion, glory, and honour, and power unto 
the Lord our God! And again, we say^ 
hallelujah! Methinks I stand one foot in 
heaven^ and the other on earth. Me- 
thinks I hear the melody of heaven, and by 
faith I see the angels waiting to carry my 
soul to the bosom of Jesus, and I shall be 



224 DYING SAYINGS 

for ever with the Lord in glory. And who 
can choose but rejoice in all this?" 

To a brother the day before his death. 

'^I thank thee^ dear brother, for thy love : 
thou art praying for me, and I know thou 
lovest me dearly: but Christ loveth me ten 
thousand times more than thou dost. Come 
and kiss me, dear brother, before I die. — I 
shall go before, and I hope thou shalt follow 
after to glory/' 

Last words^ 

''Amen! Amen!'' 



JEROME OF PRAGUE. 

On receiving a paper cap with devils painted on it. 
'' Our Lord Jesus Christ, when he suffer- 
ed death for me a most wretched sinner, 
wore a crown of thorns on his head; and I, 
for his sake, willingly wear this cap/' 

Expiring amidst the flames. 
'' This soul of mine, in flames of fire, O 
Christ, I offer to thee/' 



Rev. Dr. JOHN JEWEL, Bishop of Salisbury. 
Died, A. D.1571. iEt. 50. 

To his household. 

'' It hath always been my desire;, that I 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 225 

might glorify God and honour his name, by 
sacrificing my life for the defence of his 
truth : but though God hath not granted 
my desire^ yet I rejoice that my body is ex- 
hausted in the labours of my holy calling. 
And now that my hour is at hand, I earnestly 
desire you to pray for me, and to help me 
with the ardency of your affections, when 
you perceive me, through the infirmity of 
the flesh, to languish in my prayers. Hitherto 
I have taught you ; but now the time is come 
wherein I desire to be taught and strength- 
ened by every one of you.'' 

'' Lord, now let thy servant depart in 
peace. Break all delays. Lord, receive 
my spirit!" 

'^ I have not lived so that I am ashamed to 
live longer; neither do 1 fear to die, because 
we have a merciful Lord. — A crown of 
righteousness is laid up for me. — Christ is 
my righteousness. — Father, let thy will be 
done : thy will, I say, and not mine, which 
is imperfect and depraved. — This day quick- 
ly let me see the Lord Jesus/' 



l3 



226 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. GEORGE JOHNIUS, Professor of Divinity 
at Heidleberg. Died, A. D. 1589. ^t. 3B. 
Calvin preached his Funeral Sermon. 

'' O Christ, thou art my Redeemer, and I 
know that thou hast redeemed me. I wholly 
depend on thy providence and mercy. From 
the very bottom of my heart I commend my 
spirit into thy hands/' 



Rev. EDMUND JONES, Pontipool, South Wales. 
Died, A. D. 179a. ^t. 92. 

On being asked if he feared death. 

^' I fear death? No; I know too much 
of Jesus to fear death. It is in itself terri- 
ble^ but I do not fear it.'' 

'^^The heavenly country is clear in view; 
there is no cloud, nor fear^ between me and 
glory/' 

Rev. THOMAS JONES, A. M. Chaplain of St. 
Saviour's, Southwark, London. 

^' It is not dying out of the worlds but 
dying in the worlds and parting with all its 
toys and trifles, and that not with sickness 
or pain." 

''^An eternal life of glory for a life of 
misery: who w^ould not exchange misery for 
happiness? Hasten^ — O hasten, dear Lord.'"^^ 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 227 

'-Blessed be God for that degree of faith 
which he hath given me; for though it has 
operated in so weak a manner^ yet I have 
many blessed and comfortable marks in my 
own soul of his love to me/' 

^' Lord^ secure a soul thou hast died to 
save; — He will^ he will: I have part here; 
I shall have all soon/' 

'^ I have had a glorious view of the love 
of Christ to my soul this morning : for me to 
live is Christy to die is gain. Come, Lord 
Jesus, come quickly, and give me an easy 
dismission. Lord, give me an easy dismis- 
sion to a blessed eternity. Ere this time to 
morrow, perhaps, I shall be where all sor- 
row is done away. I shall have a sabbath of 
trinity before I thought of it, to worship a 
tri-une God.*' 

To Mrs, Jones. 

^' Don't be surprised at any alteration you 
may see in me; for death always makes 
strange alterations. When the Lord is pleased 
to give me my dismission, rejoice over my 
corpse, and praise God for what we have 
suffered together here, and for what we shall 
enjoy together hereafter/' 

'^ The silver cords of life are breaking; — 
Lord, guide me home in safety, and lead me 



328 DYING SAYINGS 

through the shadow of death; — this mortal 
shall put on immortality; — I go hence like 
a shadow that declineth ; — I wither away 
like grass^ but the Lord is the portion of my 
soul^ and my strong hope ; — I am so full of 
pain^ indeed^ that I can think but little ; yet 
I know that Jesus is carrying on the interests 
of my poor soul notwithstanding/' 

'^I am of the church of the first-born^ 
who shall stand on Mount Sion; one chosen 
from among my brethren ; a sinner saved^ a 
sinner saved !" 



LEO JUDAE, Author of Annotations on many parts 
of the Old and New Testaments* Died, A.D, 
1542. 

To the pasiurs and prof essors of Zurich, for ivhom he 
sent. 

'' To my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christy 
my hope and my salvation, I wholly offer 
up my soul and body. I cast myself wholly 
upon his mercy and grace." 



Rev. JOHN KEEELE, [P. B.] London. Died, 
A. D. 1824. 

On his secular concerns being named, 
'' Never mind !— These are little things ; 
these are small bubbles ; I live on high !" 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 229 

** ' To heaven I lift my waiting eyes, 

There all my help is laid, 
The Lord that built the earth and skies 

Is my perpetual aid. 

Their feet shall neither slide nor fall 

Whom he designs to keep, 
His ear attends the softest call, 

His eyes can never sleep.' '^ 



** * The dying thief rejoiced to see 
That fountain in his day, 

And there have I, though vile as he^ 
Wash'd all my sins away.' " 

Last words. 

It is finished ; all is over." 



Rev. JOHN KELLO, [L] London. Died, A. D, 

1827. Mi. 78. 

A few hours before his death, 

'' Come^ Lord Jesus, come quickly!'' 

Last words. 

'' Saved! — saved!'' 



Rev. WILLIAM KINGSBURY, A.M., [I.] oi 

Southampton. Died, A. D. 1818. Mt 74. 

When asked how he was, 
'' I am as it pleases God I should be.'' 

When asked what a friend should pray for, 
'' Only submission." 



230 DYING SAYINGS 

To another friend. 

'' I am hoping in the only hope.*' 

To his son-in-law, 

^'Give my love to your dear father^ and 
tell him I have a good hope through grace/' 



^' When will my beloved come !*' 
To a faithful servant, 

'^ Pray for me that my faith fail not ; the 
enemy strives hard, but I am enabled to 
overcome him/* 

To his family, 

'' I have no fears, — I am at peace with 
God,— all is well!" 



'' How thou wilt and when thou wilt/' 

" ' Oh! that the happy hour were come, 

To chaDge my faith to sight! 
I shall behold my Lord at home, 

In a diviner light.' " 



Rev. ANDREW KINSMAN, [I.] Plymouth 
Dock. Died, A. D. 1793, iEt. 68. 

Alluding to the divinity of Christ, 

''I now feel this doctrine to be a solid 
ground of hope in my declining days/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 231 

On surprise being expressed at his cheerfulness, 
" I have great reason to be so, for I am 
one day nearer heaven/' 



** * In age and feebleness extreme, 
Who shall an helpless worm redeem? 
Jesus, my only hope thou art, 
Strength of my failing flesh and heart; 
O could I catch one smile from thee, 
And drop into eternity/ '* 



" • What have I done, or how behaved^ 
That I am thus beloved and saved ^^'' 



On a Lord's day. 
" When will my eternal sabbath begin?" 



''I am the Lord's waiting servant; 1 am 
waiting for my dismission/' 



A feio hours before he died, 
'' O how ill I am ! but^ my God! my life^ 
my time, my all is in thy hands; on thee do 
I trust; in thee I can confide." 

Last words when expiring, 
*^ * Jesu lover of my soul !' '^ 



! I 



232 DYING SAYINGS 



JOHN KNOX, the eminent Reformer of Scotland. 
Died, A. D. 1572. ^t. 62. 

^^ Come^ Lord Jesus ! sweet Jesus ! into 
thy hands I commend my spirit/' 

^*^ Blessed is the death of those who have a 
part in the death of Jesus."' 

*^*In my life-time I have been assaulted 
with temptations from Satan, and he hath oft 
cast my sins in my teeth, to drive me to des- 
pair ; yet God gave me strength to overcome 
all his temptations; but now the subtle ser- 
pent takes another course, and seeks to per- 
suade me, that my labours in the ministry^ 
and the fidelity that 1 have shewed in that 
service, have merited heaven; but, blessed 
be God, it brought to my mind these scrip- 
tures, ^ What hast thou that thou hast not 
received?' and ^Not I, but the grace of God 
in me,' with which he is gone away ashamed, 
and shall no more return : and now I am 
sure that my battle is at an end; and that 
without pain of body, or trouble of spirit, I 
shall change this mortal and miserable life 
for that happy and immortal life, which shall 
never have an end." 

Last words. 

'' Lord Jesus, receive ray spirit!" 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 233 



Rev. GEORGE LAMBERT, [I.] Hull, Yorkshire. 
Died, A. D. 1816. ^t. 74. 

" ' Lord, am pain'd, but I resign 

My body to thy will; 
Tis grace, 'tis wisdom all divine. 

Appoints the pains I feel, 
Dark are the ways of Providence, 

While they who love thee groan ; 
Thy reasons lie conceaFd from sense. 

Mysterious and unknown.' '' 

'^ The blood of Jesus cleanseth from all 
sin.^ — I came to Jesus first a poor sinner — in 
me dwells nothing good^ but what I have 
received from the God of all grace; all else 
is sin, I am all imperfection. ' I will there- 
fore make mention of his righteousness, and 
his righteousness only/ My only hope is in 
the riches and sovereignty of divine love/' 

'' Lord, I would— 

* SuflPer all thy righteous will, 
And to the end endure.' 

— Yes, I will ascribe righteousness to my 
Maker/' 

** * I can do all things, and can bear 
All sufferings if my Lord be there; 
Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains. 
While his left hand my head sustains.' " 

^' ' Having a desire to depart and to be 



234 DYING SAYINGS 

with Christ' — not so much for the sake of 
freedom from this pain, as of being with 
Christ/' 

'^ I have had some sweet meditations upon 
those words, accommodated to ray present 
circumstances, ^Let me go, for the day 
breaketh.** 

To his physician. 

'' Doctor, I am not afraid to die. The 
gospel I have preached, the Saviour I have 
exhibited, are now my only support.'* 

" ^ Trembling, hoping, lingering, %ing, 
Oh, the pain, the bliss of djing.' '' 

To his children. 
'' Let me earnestly entreat you to take my 
God for your God." 



'^ Why is his chariot so long in coming? 
Why tarry the wheels of his chariot ? Into 
thy hands I commit my spirit. Come, Lord 
Jesus ! I am yet in the valley; but the rod 
point straight forward, and the staff supports 
me. 

Last words. 

'^ Come— come — come !" 



OP EMINENT CHRISTIANS 235 

Rev. JOHN LAMBERT, Chaplain to the English 
Factory at Antwerp. Martyred in Smithfield, in 
the Reign of Henry VIII. 

When half consumed by the flames. 

'' None but Christ ! None but Christ! '* 



Dr. HUGH LATIMER, Bishop of Worcester. 
Martyred, A. D. 1555. 

At the stake, 
'' God is faithful^ who will not suffer us 
to be tempted above that which we are able." 

To Bishop Ridley, his fellow-martyr, 

'' Be of good comfort^ brother^ and play 
the man; we shall this day light such a 
candle, by God's grace, in England, as I 
trust shall never be put out/' 

Last loords, 

'' O, Father of heaven, receive my soull** 



Rev. JOHN CASPER LAVATER, Writer on 
Physiognomy, Rector of St. Peter's, Zurich^ 
Died of a wound from a musket, fired at him by 
a French Soldier, while protecting some poor 
Widows from insult, A. D. 1800. ^t. 59. 

'' 1 do not wish to know him who wound- 
ed me with the fatal ball ; but this I wish to 
let bim know, that I forgive him with all my 
heart; for, believe me, I owe very much to 



236 DYING SAYINGS 

these wounds^ and to my present severe 
pains." 

After being carried in a chair to his sister-in-law, who 
was dying, 

"'Here we sit together^ both dying; but 
love never dies^ nor the gratitude which I 
owe to you^ my dear sister. May God re- 
w^ard you for all the kindnesses you have 
shewn me!'' 

^'O! what joy must there be in heaven, 
when they see another weary traveller ap- 
proaching the shore!" 

On bidding his sister farewell, 
^^ May Jesus Christy whose consolations 
are inexhaustible^ be with thec^ and with thy 
spirit!" 

To his ivife and daughter. 
'' My dears^ do you know what burdens 
me most at present? my inability to medi- 
tate upon the greatest of all the wonders of 
grace — the incarnation of Christ." 

Words composed by him and uttered on his dying bed, 
'^ Jesus from heaven descends and brings 
Complete redemption on his wings, 

Unmingled grace his right hand bears, 
Life, at his glance, eternal springs, 
And ev'ry trace of mis'ry disappears.'' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 237 

Rkv. GEORGE LAWSON, D. D. [S. S.] Died, 
A. D, 1820. ML 71. 

'' All mj hope and all my comfort spring 
out of the mercy of God, as manifested in 
the mediation of Jesus Christ: here are my 
only strength, and stay, and consolation." 

^' It is indeed, my full persuasion and my 
sweet hope, that I shall never be separated 
from the love of God, which is in Christ 
Jesus my Lord.'* 

Last words. 

^* Lord^ take me to paradise.'' 

Rev. SAMUEL LOWELL, [I.] Bristol. Died, 
A. D. 1823. 

To his daughter on asking her ojmiion respecting his 
danger. 

^' I wish you perfectly to understand, that 
i do not inquire because I feel any fear of 
death, for I am perfectly willing that it [his 
illness] should terminate in life or death." 

'' Jesus lived and died for me.'* 

While he was being bled, 

'' Oh, that blood, that blood reminds me 
of that precious, precious blood, which was 
shed for the remission of sins ; that is all my 
consolation — that is all my desire — that is 



238 DYING SAYINGS 

all my hope; if that fails, every thing fails : 
Oh that I may ever keep near the cross of 
Jesus!'' 



'' Oh, what would Socinianism do for me 
now? Oh no; — none but Christ! — none 
but Christ! — that is the rock on which a 
poor sinner must build; and if that fails, 
all will fail/' 

To a friend. 
''You see, my dear friend^ we have no- 
thing to apply to, but as in common with 
other Christians — to that rock which will 
never fail." 

To some of his family, 

'' Remember, my dear children, that a dy- 
ing father tells you, that if he should get to 
heaven, he will be the most unworthy of 
those who shall find admission there, — but 
I shall get there — I have no fear of getting 
there." 

In a shivering fit and spasms, 
^' In very faithfulness the Lord has done 
it; and because it pleaseth him I am quite 
willing that it should be just thus." 

'' Yet will I look again towards thy holy 
temple." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 239 

With his family around his bed. 

'' The time of my departure is at hand. I 
feel that I must die. I am not like Jacob : 
it is true^ I wished to see my sons^ as I could 
not go down into Egypt to see them before 
I die; but they are come to see me.*' 

Prayer, with his hand holding one of his daughter s 
hands* 

'' May the blessing of the God of Abra- 
ham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, rest upon my 
dear children, and my children's children, 
and the dear little flock with whom I have 
spent so many happy days! — May the Lord 
bless them all, though I cannot name them, 
and may my Lord be their God!'' 

On seeing his daughter weeping. 
'' What dost thou cry for, my dear? What 
cry! and I feel a certainty that I am going 
to Christ! What, cry for me ! Don't weep; 
I am not afraid to die. I am desirous — I long 
to be gone."' 

On his last sabbath y addressing his daughter, 
^' Oh, my darling, ray next sabbath will 

be happier than this — happier I happier ! 

happier!'* 

'' — I love you all, and many many friends, 

but I am quite willing to leave you all for 



240 DYING SAYINGS 

Jesus^ persuaded that to depart and be with 
him is far better/' 

To a davghter. 

^^Ahj my dear! you are all very kind : I 
value your love, and am much obliged by 
all your kind attentions; but I would rather 
leave you all— you cannot see it^ my dear, 
but I see my Jesus with extended arms^ ready 
to receive me to his bosom/' 

Last words. 
'' I now know and see and feel the mean- 
ing of those lines^ 

' The world recedes, it disappears ! 



Heaven !'"- 



Br, martin LUTHER. Died, A. D. 1546. 
^t. 63. 

On entering his chamber, 
'' I go to rest with God/' 
''"Pray for the cause of God/' 

Last prayer. 
'' O heavenly Father^ my gracious God^ 
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christy thou 
God of all consolation, I give thee hearty 
thanks^ that thou hast revealed to me thy 
Son Jesus Christ, whom I believe, whom I 
profess, whom I love, whom I glorify, and 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 241 

whom the Pope, and the route of the wicked^ 
persecute and dishonour. I beseech thee. 
Lord Jesus, Christ, receive my soul. O my 
heavenly Father, though I be taken out of 
this life, and must lay down this frail body, 
yet I certainly know that I shall live with 
thee eternally, and that I cannot be taken 
out of thy hands/' 

'^Into thy hands I commend my spirit! 
Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of 
truth." 

'' God so loved the world that he gave his 
only begotten Son, that whatsoever believeth 
in him should not perish, but have ever- 
lasting life." 

'^ Our God is the God of whom coraeth 

salvation : God is the Lord, by whom we 

escape death." 

His last word was in reply to a question on his ad- 
herence to his doctrines. 

^^Yes/' 



MARY II., Queen of England, and Consort of 
William III. 

'' I have been instructed how very hazard- 
ous a thing it is to rely upon a death-bed re- 
pentance: I am not now to begin the great 
work of preparing for death; and, I praise 
God, I am not afraid of it." 

M 



i- 



242 DYING SAYINGS 

llEv. SAMUEL MEDLEY, [P. B.] LiverpooL 
Died, A. D. 1799. ^Et. 61. 

To some friends. 
'' You see me on my dying bed^ and a 
sweet bed it is to me. What mercies am I 
now enjoying ? Thanks be to God, I have 
little or no pain. What blessings I have in 
my family! All my eight children are a 
, comfort to me, and so affectionate, that they 
would, if it were possible, lay down their 
lives for me. With respect to myself, I am 
full of consolation, and able yet to recol- 
lect God's precious word. I never saw so 
much of my own unworthiness, nor so much 
of the excellent glory and suitableness of 
Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour. I could 
wish, had I strength, to speak of him till I 
die, particularly to my young friends, whom 
I always loved to address." 

After recovering from a fit. 
''lam thinking on the laws of gravitation. 
The nearer a body approaches to its centre, 
with the more force it is impelled ; and the 
Hearer I approach my dissolution, with 
greater velocity I move towards it." 



^'Look up, my soul, and rejoice, for thy 
redemption draweth nigh-'* 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 243 

^^ I am looking up to Jesus. But a point 
or two more [alluding to the mariner's com- 
pass] and I shall be at my Father^s house/' 

Under great pain. 

'^ Help, help me Lord!" 

Hal f an hour before ke died, 

'^ Dying is sweet work! sweet work! My 

Father! my heavenly Father ! I am looking 

up, I am looking up to my dear Jesus, my 

God, my portion, my all in all!" 

Last words. 

^^ Glory, glory! Home, home!** 



PHILIP MELANCTHON,an eminent Reformer. 
Died, A. D. 1560. ^t. 63. 

^^ I desire to be dissolved, and to be with 
Christ.*' 

To his intimate friend Camerainus. 

^' Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who sit- 
teth at the right hand of his Father, and 
giveth gifts to men, preserve you and yours, 
and us all.'* 

^^ O Lord, make an end.** 

'' I often think upon the saying of St. John, 
' the world received him not: but to those 
that received him, to them gave he power to 
become the sons of God; even to them that 
believe in his name/ *' 

m2 



244 



DYING SAYINGS 



On being asked if he would have any thing, his ex- 
piring words were 

'' Nothing but heaven/' 



Eev. JOHN MIELL, [P. B.] Winborne, Dor:et. 
Died, A. D. 1825. 

*'*^ After all the changing scenes of Provi- 
dence — the changes in the church — the 
temptations and trials I have met with from 
Satan and the world — and^ above all, from 
the treachery of mj own heart; yet I have 
founds and I do noicjind, that God is faith- 
ful. He is good, essentially good. Yes, 
he is good to Israel^ to such as are of a clean 
heart/^ 

'' I have done with temporal affairs, and 
my eternal state is sure, resting on Jesus.'' 

^' I have neither fears nor raptures, nor do 
1 expect raptures ; but my mind is staved on 
God.^' 

"•'Not one duty or performance of mine 
can I now rely upon, for although I have 
spent as much time in private prayer as most 
men, yet I can have no dependance on that 
for acceptance; but his faithfulness cannot 
leave me now^ to despair/' 

On being asked the state of his mind, 
'' Stayed^ stayed on God. It is all settled 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 345 

by God; I would not turn a straw to alter 
any thing. Re thou faithful unto deaths and 
I will give thee a crown of life/' 



'' I seem now like Jacob when on his 
dying bed: I have waited for thy salva- 
tion, O Lord.'' 

'' O no ; he cannot leave me now ; he who 
has been my friend for so many years and my 
kind Shepherd." 

''1 have worked while it was day; now 
let others work." 

'• I should like to die with — 

' A mortal paleness on my cheek, 
And glory in my soul.' " 

On another occasion. 
'' My mind is much as it has been during 
all my illness, passive. It is the Lord ; let 
him do what seemeth him good." 

To his son, 

'' O John ! what a sweet frame ray mind 

was in when vou came into the room : it 

seemed as though the Holy Dove was come 

down! O ! if I could die in such a frame!" 



246 



DYING SAYINGS 



Rev. JAMES MOODY, [I.] Warwick. Died, 
A. D. 1806. JEt. 50. 

On one wondering that he, a 7ninister, and familiar 
with the subject, should fear death. 

" My office led me to think much on the 
subject; but it is a different thing to medi- 
tate on it, and to see it approaching.'' 
To his servant. 

^'1 think I am very near my home.'* 

To his daughter. 

^' My child, my child! wrestle with God 
an hour for me to day/' 

'' With what pleasure did I formerly lead 
the devotions in the house of God! I should 
think it an honour now to join with my peo- 
ple in their worship; but I trust, before 
long, to join the general assembly of the re- 
deemed in glory,'' 

To his wife. 

^' I shall soon be well ; I shall soon have 
no more head-ache — no more pain." 

On being asked if he did not wish to recover, 

^' I dare not choose ; — let God do as he 
pleases with me." 

On a party passing by canvassing for an election. 
'^ If all were as anxious to gain a seat in 
heaven as some are to obtain a seat in par- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 247 

iiament, the church of Christ would exhibit 
a brilliant aspect/' 

To his daughter^ holding her by the hand, 

'^ May the Lord keep you in his ways, my 
dear child, and guide you, and preserve you 
from sin and temptation. I leave you, my 
dear, the same inheritance which is left to 
all the children of gospel ministers, ' The 
Lord ivill provide.' — Your bread has been 
given, and your water has been sure, and 
what can you want more?" 

'' How little does the world appear to me 
now in the near views of eterrtity!" 

When taken into the garden^ and it was observed by his 
nieces that the weather wasjine* 

'^ Ah, Mary ! I shall soon be where neither 
wind nor weather, sun nor moon, will affect 
my frame any more/* 

To his friends. 
'"^It is written of our Lord, that having 
loved his own which were in the world, he 
loved them to the end." 

To his family. 

** * Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft as dowuy pillows are.' '' 

^' Come, let us comfort one another with 
these words — and so shall \^e ever be with 



248 DYING SAYINGS 

the Lord — O what a thought, to be ever 
with the Lord!'' 



PHILLIP DE MORN AY, Lord of Plessis Marly. 
Died, A. D. 1623. JEt. 74. 

After making his will, 
'' Now I am discharged from one of my 
chiefest cares; and, for the time to come, 
have nothing else to look for but death." 

On his usefulness being mentioned, 
'' Alas^ what was there of mine in the 
work ? Say not that it was I, but God by 
me. — I have laboured ; yet not I, but the 
grace of God which is in me. — There is 
nothing more just and reasonable, than that 
the creature should obey his Creator.'' 

Lifting up his hands, 

'' Mercy, mercy, mercy! — I call for no- 
thing but mercy, free mercy. But who is it 
that shall bring an accusation against the 
elect of God ? It is God that justifieth : so 
that neither life nor death, nor things present^ 
nor things to come, shall ever be able to 
separate him from the love of his Saviour.'' 

'' Lord, open thou my lips, and I will shew 
forth thy praise. Lord, make me to know 
my sins, to weep for them, to detest them. 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 249 

and to have them in execration. — We know 
that if our earthly house of this tabernacle 
be dissolved^ we have a building of God^ a 
house not made with hands/' 

On being asked respecting his assurance of glory, ' 
'' I am perfectly persuaded of it^ and am 
so by the demonstration of the Holy Spirit^ 
more powerful^ more clear and certain^ than 
any demonstration of Euclid." 

To himself, 
'' I fly — ^I fly to heaven : the angels carry 
me into the bosom of my Saviour. I know 
that my Redeemer liveth^ I shall see him 
with these eves." 



'' The love of God is in my heart/' 



Dr. peter MOULIN, Minister and Professor 
at Sedan. Died, A. D. i658. Mi, 90. 

His last text in prospect of death. 
Ps. xvi, 9. /'My flesh shall rest in hope/' 

To his colleagues, 
'' Farewell, gentlemen ; I have good sa- 
tisfaction inmv mind.thati leave this church 
•J ' 

in the hands of persons whom God hath en- 
dowed with great gifts ; and, above all, with 
exemplary piety. I make no doubt that you 

M 3 



SoO DYING SAYINGS 

will carefully look to the flock committed 
to you/' 

On hearing himself praised. 

'' Away with this flattery, and pray to 
God to have mercy on me." — 

^^ Lord, I have deserved nothing but pu- 
nishment. Thou hast heaped blessings upon 
me. Thou hast honoured me with a holy 
calling; but I have not laboured according 
to the truth of it: I have mingled my own 
glory with thine. I have often neglected 
thy service, to seek my particular interest. 
O, how much self love! what perverseness 
has opposed the kingdom of the Son within 
mel How often have I grieved thy Holy 
Spirit, by idle thoughts and carnal affections f 
and yet thou hast always shewn thyself a 
gracious and merciful Father to me. Thou 
hast, indeed, sometimes chastened me with 
thy rod. Thou hast hid thy face from me 
for a moment, but thou hast remembered me 
in thy great compassion. Lord, thou art 
faithful in thy promises — I am thy creature. 
Thou hast led me, and taught me^ from roy 
youth : O, forsake me not in this last period 
^f my life." 

On one naming his labours, 

*^Ah^sir^ you know not how much you 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 251 

grieve me by such language. I have not 
done all the good I ought to have done; and 
that little benefit which the church hath 
reaped by my labours^ is not from me, but 
from the grace of God which is in me ; as it 
is usual with him to produce a good efifect 
by a weak instrument. I am conscious that 
I have neglected my duty in many things, 
and offended my God ; but I have loved his 
holy truth, and hope in his mercy. He is 
my Father and my God, and Jesus Christ is 
my Saviour; — whosoever believes on him 
shall not perish, but have everlasting life/' 
''I will die glorifying God." 

On one speaking of his approaching end. 
'' O how welcome are you to me with that 
good news! Welcome, kind death! O how 
happy shall I be to see my God, to whom 
my heart hath been long aspiring! He will 
be merciful to me. Pray that he will be 
pleased to perfect his work in me.'* 

Under violent pain. 

'' O Lord, lay not too heavy a hand upon 
thy poor servant : thou hast sufficiently af- 
flicted me to make me sensible of my sin. 
Yet, Lord, I am far from murmuring against 
thee. I have kept myself from that in my 



252 



DYING SAYINGS 



long trials. I have deserved infinitely mor(^ 
than 1 suffer. Bruise this dust and these 
ashes : bruise this body, and save my pre- 
cious soul: miserable as I am, I would not 
exchange my condition for that of a king', 
while I hope in the grace of my God." 

On a student asking him if he thought Hebreic the 
language of heaven, 

''This is not revealed ; neither do I think 
that the language of heaven is known here 
on earth ; but I judge we shall learn it in a 
moment when God shall be all in all. This 
is that tongue of angels which St. Paul men- 
tions ; and is as other things which God hath 
prepared for those that love him ; and they 
are all of them such as eye hath not seen, 
nor ear heard, and which are not come into 
man's heart." 

'' Blessed is he whose transgression is for- 
given, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the 
man unto whom the Lord imputeth not ini- 
quity, and in whose spirit there is no guile! 
— Thou knowest, Lord, that in sincerity and 
without guile I humble myself before thy 
face. I am a miserable sinner, and could 
not dare to lift up my eyes towards thee, did 
i not trust both in thy commandment and 
promise. Such as labour under a sense of 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 253 

their miseries are those whom thou callest^ 
for thou sayest^ *^Come unto me, all ye that 
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give 
you rest/ O^ then, let me come to thee. 
Draw me, O Lord, that I may run after thee. 
I am tired : I am quite weary of being absent 
from my God. My soul thirsteth for God, 
for the living God— when shall 1 come and 
appear before God? Alas, I am unworthy 
of it, for I was conceived in sin, and my 
whole life hath been a continued transgres- 
sion : vet far be it from me to doubt of God's 
power and faithfulness. ' Where sin abound- 
eth, his grace aboundeth much more.' It is 
not for the righteous, but for repenting sin- 
ners that he hath given his Son, that ' who- 
soever believeth in him should not perish, 
but have life everlasting. Lord, I believe; 
help thou my unbelief.' Increase and strength- 
en my faith. It is now weak and small, but 
it is true and unfeigned, and resteth upon 
Jesus Christ only. There is no salvation in 
any other. He is the way, the truth, and the 
life. None can come to the Father but bv 
him. Away with all other intercessors. 
Away with all merit of works. All our 
righteousnesses are but pollutions. Ah^ my 
God, 1 have no righteousness but thine; for 



254 DYING SAYINGS 

I was conceived in sin, and never did any 
work so good but it needed pardon. Mercy, 
Lord, raercy! Pardon my sins ! Wash me 
thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me 
from my sins. Purge me with hyssop, but 
let it be dipped in the blood of the Lamb, 
without blemish and without spot, which 
taketh away the sin of the world. Thou 
knowest, O Lord, that I have loved thy holy 
truth, and that I have believed thy promises. 
They are the joy of my heart. They are 
the comforts which have kept up my heart 
from dejection, O God, perfect thy work 
in me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, 
and renew a right spirit within me. Restore 
unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold 
me with thy free Spirit." 

'^My God, how weary am l! When shall 
1 rest in thy bosom ? When shall I be filled 
with the true riches ? When shall I drink 
of the river of thy pleasures ? I am unwor- 
thy of it, O my God; but thou art glorified 
by doing good to the unworthy. It is not 
for them who are whole, but for those who 
are sick, that thy Son, the great Physician, 
was sent — ^whosoever believeth on him, hath 
passed from death to life.'* 



O^ EMINENT CHRlStlANS. 255 

Oil hearing from one a comforting passage of Scripture, 

''The Spirit of God hath spoken by your 
mouth. The Lord bless you, and increase 
his graces in you/' 



'' O what is it to see God's face in righte- 
ousness ! O when shall I be satisfied with 
his likeness!'' 

After a disposition to slumber. 

"^^ Rouse me; I should now watch. 'Tis 
now no time to sleep, but to die, ^ Watch 
and pray/ said my Saviour, Mest ye enter 
into temptation/ O great God, abandon me 
not to my infirmities, but so preserve and 
keep my spirit, that I may glorify thee when 
I am dying/' 

'' Death is swallowed up in vic- 
tory/' 

After feeling his pulse, 

''O what a grief is this, —I cannot die! 
My God, have mercy on me, and set my soul 
free ! I am weary of being absent from my 
God. I desire to depart and to be with 
Christ. Omy God, come, fetch me! Shorten 
the days of my combat. Let me die, I be- 
seech thee! Into thy hands I commend my 



^56 Dying sayings 

spirit^ for thou hast redeemed me^ O Lord 
God of truth!'' 



'' I shall now soon be eased. I am going 
to my Father and ray God. He hath heard 
me indeed. I go to him with confidence, 
for he hath arrayed me with this robe of 
his righteousness.'' 

On one saying, ** Sir, you will meet your Redeemer.' 
''\ believe it!" 

Miss HENRLETTA NEALE, of LutoD, Beds., 
Author of "Sacred History," &c. Died, A. D. 
1802. In the prime of life. 

On viewing the sun from her bed. 

'' O what a glorious sun! but I have a 
better^ — the eternal Sun of Righteousness." 

'' I leave myself in the hands of the Lord. 
What a mercy it is to have God for our 
portion! A whole worlds were I in posses- 
sion of it^ could aflford me no comfort now." 



Rev. SAMUEL NEWMAN, Author of a Con- 
cor-dance. [Puritan.] Died, in New England, 
A. D. 1663. 

After one had frayed with him. 

^'And now^ ye angels of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, come, do your office." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 257 



Rev. JOHN NEWTON, Rector of St. Mary 
Woolnoth, London. Died, A. D. 1807. Mi. 82. 

''I am like a person going a journey in 
the stage coach, who expects its arrival every 
hour^ and is frequently looking out at the 
window for it.'' '' I am packed^ and sealed, 
and waiting for the post/' 

'' It is a great thing to die; and when flesh 
and heart fail^ to have God for the strength 
of our heart, and our portion for ever. I 
know whom I have believed^ and he is able 
to keep that which I have committed unto 
him against that great day. Henceforth there 
is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, 
which the Lord^ the righteous Judge, shall 
give me at that day.'' 

'' I have been meditating on a subject, — 
'Come and hear^ all ye that fear God^ and I 
icill declare ivhat he hath done for my soul.'' 

'' More light — more love — more liberty.*' 

'' Hereafter I hope, when I shut my eyes 
on the things of time, I shall open them in a 
better world." 

'' What a thing it is to live under the sha- 
dow of the wings of the Almighty!" 

''I am satisfied with the Lord's will. '^ 



258 DYING SAYINGS 

To a clergyman, 

^' The Lord has a sovereign right to do 
what he pleases with his own. I trust we 
are his in the best sense, by purchase, by 
conquest, and by our willing consent. As 
sinners we have no reason to complain ; for 
all our concerns are in the hand and care of 
our best Friend, who has promised that all 
things shall work together for his glory and 
our final benefit. My trial is great, but I 
am supported, and have many causes for 
daily praise." 



JOHN CECOLAMPADIUS, D. D., a German 
Divine. Died, A. D. 1531. 

To the ministers of Basils who visited him, 
'' O, my brethren, the Lord is come ; he 
is come; he is now calling me away. I de- 
sired to speak with you, in order to encou- 
rage you to continue faithful followers of 
Christ; to persevere in purity of doctrine, 
and in lives conformable to the word of God . 
Christ will take care for the defence of his 
church ; ^ therefore let your light so shine 
before men, that they may see your good 
works, and that you may glorify your Father 
which is in heaven. Continue in love un- 



it I 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 259 

feigned ; walk as in God's presence. Adorn 
your doctrine with holiness of life. A cloud 
is arising; a tempest is coming, and some 
will fall off; but it becomes you to stand 
fast, and God will assist you. For myself, 
I regard not the aspersions which are cast 
upon me. I bless God, I shall, with a clear 
conscience,stand before the tribunal of Christ. 
1 have not seduced the church of Christ, as 
some affirm; but I leave you all witnesses, 
that at my last gasp I am the same that for- 
merly I was.'* 

To his infants. 

'^ Come, my three children, see that you 
love God.'' 

To a friend. 
'^ I shall presently be with my Christ.'' 

Last words. 
'' O Christ, save me!" 



Rev. JOHN PALMER, [P. B.] Shrewsbury. 
Died, A. D. 1823. ^t. 56. 

'' Behold, God is my salvation ; I will 
trust and not be afraid ; for the Lord Jeho- 
vah is my strength and my song; he is ako 
become my salvation," 



260 DYING SAYINGS 

*^^ Will he plead against me with his great 
power? No; but he would put strength 
in n>e/' 

'' For I am persuaded, that neither death 
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor 
powers, nor things present, nor things to 
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other 
creature, shall be able to separate us from 
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus 
our Lord." 

^^Christisall in all.'^ 

On awaking out of sleep. 
** * Though painful at present, 

'Twill cease before long, 
And then, O how pleasant, 

The conqueror's song.' " 



Rev. JOSEPH PARKIN, [I.] Wigan, Lancashire. 
Died, A. D. 1809. JEt. 29. 

On asking after a Christian jr lend. 
'' I do love the image of Jesus in his 
people." 



'' My days are now fast concluding; but 
I know whom I have believed, and find him 
all-sufficient : he is faithful." 

'''A Father afflicts and a Father supports. * 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 261 

'' I feel no rapturous emotions, but I feel 
myself safe in the hands of Jesus^ — because 
he lives, I shall live also/' 

After a fainting Jit, 
** ^'\ am returned to you again. I hoped, 
— but let me not indulge an impatient desire 
•—my time is in thine hands, my God!'' 

To a friend. 
'' Ah, brother! you can but judge accord- 
ing to appearances; — God only knows the 
deceitfulness of the heart/' 



''1 had well nigh given up all for lost; 
but Jesus reanimated me, and he is now 
more precious than ever. Death and 1 have 
had a hard struggle. 1 am still on the field 
with him; but Jesus is there too/' 

'' Jesus! thou didst pray for Peter that his 
faith might not fail. Oh! pray for one ten 
thousand times more unworthy than Peter, 
that, in my last conflict, my faith fail not." 

On recovering from a fainting Jit, 
'' What, returned again! I thought I had 
been going. I hope I shall go this afternoon. 
Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!'' 

After private prayer, 
'• I have not seen Jesus as he is; but I 



262 DYING SAYINGS 

have had a sweet interview with him : I have] 
heen holding sweet converse with my Sa- 
viour/' 

To a female friend. 

'' Do you think Jesus will take me to him 
self to-night ? — Well^ I would not be im- 
patient — if he does not receive me into his 
presence^ I hope he will admit me into his 
anti-chamber." 

On parting with a young friend. 
'' I trust we shall meet before the throne, 
and tune our harps together there. Beware 
of this deluding world." 



'^l am not yet free from this sinful body. ' 

To a friend, 

'' Oh ! I wanted to see you — I wanted to 
see you, that we might talk of Jesus; — he 
only can satisfy me; — all is shadow besides. 
How strong his love! How wonderful his 



grace !" 



On a medical gentleman expressing surprise at his 
composure of mind. 

'' Sir, 'tis entirely owing to my full con- 
fidence in the power and love of Christy and 
his finished work of salvation : there is no 
other ground of hope." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 263 

To an active and benevolent Christian friend, 

'' Brother^ many may think you are doing 
too much — that you should not be lavish ; — 
but when you are placed in my situation, you 
will think every thing you have done too 
little for him who gave himself for you/' 



Rev. WILLIAM PARRY, [I] late Theological 
Tutor at Wymondley College, Herts. Died, 
A.D.I 819. Jilt. 65. 

^'The blood and righteousness of Christ 
are my only plea. As to the fine- spun theo- 
ries of modern theology, they are but flimsy 
cobwebs. I have thoroughly examined them 
all^ and found them to be so. They may 
captivate the youthful or the speculative 
mind, but they will be found inadequate in 
the day of trial. One blast from eternity will 
blow them all away." 

'' The scripture contains salvation for 
fallen man ; and, oh, what a salvation it is! 
This only can support me in my present state, 
when flesh and heart fail ; this gives me 
consolation in the prospect of death." 

'' It has long been my prayer that I might 
be raised above the fears of death ; and I 
find that God is, indeed, a hearer of prayer, 
for I can look on death without dismay." 



264 DYING SAYINGS 

On a sabbath morning^ when he was very ill, 
^' I was going to express a wish^ that I 
might this day enter upon an eternal sab- 
bath ; but ray reverence for the divine go- 
vernment forbids." 

^^He is a faithful God." 
'^It is all mercy still; for he hath not 
dealt with us after our sins^ nor rewarded us 
after our iniquities." 



Rev. GEORGE PATRICK, L. L. B., Lecturer of 
St. Leonard's, Shoreditch, &c. Died, A. D. 
1800. iEt. 54. 

'' Oh;, that open fountain ! There I rest 
all my confidence; were it not for that I 
should have no hope/' 

To his wife. 

^^^ These are fine words^ ' I am the resur- 
rection and the life ; he that belie veth in 
me^ though he were dead, yet shall he live; 
and he that liveth and believeth in me^ shall 
never die. Beltevest thou this; — thafslhe 
point." 

'' Lord, shall I dwell with thee on Zion's 
hill ?— Shall 3, Lord ?— Yes, yes, I know I 
shall. But is the work done? — Is the work 
done. Lord ? thou must do it thyself. I am 
a poor, weak, sinful creature ; but if any 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 265 

sin remains in me/ take it away — take away 
every spot."' 

'' But^ Lord, hast thou not said, ^ The 
soul that sinneth shall die ?' Yes, thou hast, 
but ^the blood of Christ cleanseth from all 
sin,' and thou hast cleansed me. 
' My God, I am thine, 
What a comfort divine. 
What a blessing to know that my Jesus is mine!' " 

To those about him, 

'' My friends! it is an awful thing to die! 
O, prepare for eternity! — " 

^' Lord, support the widow and the 
fatherless!'' 

Last words ^ expressed with peculiar feeling and energy. 
'^ God is all in all ! Come, Lord Jesus, 
now come! I am God's, and God is mine ! 
Christ is mine! Heaven is mine! Glory is 
mine ! Glory, glory be to God for ever and 
ever! Amen and amen!" 



Rev. Mr. PEACOCK, Minister and Tutor at Ox- 
ford. Died, A. D. 1611. 

Under temptation, 
^'O how sinful, woful, and miserable is 
my condition, who thus must converse with 
bell-hounds! — The Lord hath cursed me. — • 

N 



266 DYING SAYINGS 

I was a foolish^ vain-glorious hypocrite. It 
is against the course of God's proceedings to 
save me. He hath otherwise decreed. I 
have no more grace than those curtains — 
than a goose— than a block : I have no more 
grace than a stake. I have destroyed a thou- 
sand souls." 

'' I fear to be damned for my sins. — O^ if 
you felt my grief but an hour, you would 
have compassion on me." 

^' I had rather be in the fire than here." 

^' O, T have no grace.'* 

'' O, the judgment of God ! — O^ my mi- 
serable heart! — O, death ! — O that he would 
enlarge my soul!'' 

*' My sins are great. He hath rejected 
me. He doth manifest it. O my abomin- 
able bringing up of youth !" 
After temptation, 

'' I thank God^ he hath begun to ease me, 
O God^ reconcile me to thee^ that my mise- 
rable soul may receive comfort. ^ly mind 
was grievously possessed with sundry dis- 
tractions last night ; but I find my burden 
now more lights I thank God." 

'^ Truly my heart and soul have been far 
led and deeply troubled by temptations and 
stings of conscience; but/1 thank God, they 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 267 

are eased in a good measure. Wherefore I 
desire that I may not be branded with the 
note of a forlorn hypocrite^ and cast away. 
Such questions and oppositions^ and all 
things tending thereto, I renounce/' 

'^If in any thing I have offended by my 
inconsiderate speeches in the time of tempta- 
tions, I heartily and humbly ask forgiveness 
of God for them all.'' 

To young gentlemen from the college. 
^' Live in God's fear, that you may die in 
his favour; otherwise the ox and the ass will 
condemn you/' 

Afeio hours before his death, 

^' Do you expect to hear from me what I 
believe concerning my everlasting salvation? 
Truly God is for ever so endearingly tender 
and so inconceivably merciful to all those 
whom he hath once loved, that he doth never 
finally forsake them. And, therefore, I am 
most assuredly confident, that I shall depart 
from thence into heaven. Happy, thrice 
happy be those cords of affliction in which 
my most gracious God hath tied and bound 
me/* 

'^ It behoves, it behoves me to strive fof 
heaven. Lift me up ; help me out; rid me 

n2 



268 DYING SAYINGS 

hence^ that I may pass straight to heaven. 
God favourably accepts the endeavours of 
his saints." 

'' O, the sea is not so fall of water, nor 
the sun of lights as God of goodness. His 
mercy is ten thousand times more/' 

'^ I do, God be praised, feel such comfort, 
that if I had five thousand worlds, I could 
not make recompense for such an issue. 
How shall I extol the munificence of God, 
which is unspeakable, and more than any 
soul can conceive? Let us, with humble 
reverence, acknowledge his great mercy. 
How great cause have I to magnify the 
goodness of God, who hath humbled, nay 
rather, hath exalted so wretched a miscreant, 
and of so base a condition, to an estate so 
glorious and stately! The Lord hath ho- 
noured me with his goodness. I am sure 
he hath provided a glorious kingdom for 
me. The joy that 1 feel in my soul is incre- 
dible. Blessed be God, blessed be God, 1 
am a thousand times happy to have such 
felicity thrown upon me, a poor wretched 
miscreant." 

Last words, 

'^ Lord Jesus, into thy hands I commit my 
spirit! Lot d, receive my soul! Lord, lift 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 269 

thou up the light of thy countenance upon 
me^ and be merciful unto me!'' 



Rev. 8AMUELPEARCE, a. M., [P. B] Bir- 
mingham. Died, A. D. 1799. ^t. 33. 

During his illness. 
^' 1 have been in darkness two or three 
days^ crying, ' O when wilt thou comfort 
me?' But last night the mist was taken 
from me, and the Lord shone in upon mj 
soul. O that I could speak! I would tell 
a world to trust a faithful God. Sweet af- 
fliction! — now it worketh glory, glory!" 

To his wife. 

'^ We sorrow not as those that have no 
hope/* 

'' My heart was pierced through with many 
sorrows, before I could give you and the 
dear children up ; but the Lord has heard 
me say, ' Thy will be done;' and I can now 
say, blessed be his dear name, 1 have none 
of my own/' 

On Mrs, Pearce repeating *'And then O how pleasant 
the conqueror's song .'" with a smile he addedy 

** * the conqueror's song!' " 



^' O my dear, what shall I do? But why 



270 DYING SAYINGS 

do I complain? He makes all my bed 
in my sickness/' 

On Mrs, P. quoting — 

" Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft as downy pilloivs are,*' 

'' Yes, he can — he does — I feel it." 



SIMEON PERKINS, Esq., Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas, Nova Scotia, &c. Died, A. D. 
1812. Mi. 77. 

On his usefulness being named to him. 

*'' True^ as matter of thankfulness; but 
<!!!hrist alone is all my hope. I might have 
been more useful. When I think of my 
virtues, I am ashamed, and even confounded. 
The world has long since lost its charms 
with me. There are various portions in the 
world, but Christ alone is mine.** 

"' When 1 reflect on my life I am ashamed 
and confounded; but Christ is my hope/' 

Under great suffering. 

'' 'Tis mercy all/' 

Last words, 

'' Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! O 
Ihat all mankind ** 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 271 

Rev. ANDREW PERN, Minister at Welby, in 
Northamptonshire, and one of the Assembly of 
Divines at Westminster. Died, A. D. 1654. 
^t. 60. 

'^^ When will that hour come? One as- 
sault more^ and this earthen vessel will be 
broken^ and I shall be with God/' 



Rev. JOHN PHILPOT, Archdeacon of Winches- 
ter. Martyred at Smithfield, in the Reign of 
Queen Mary. 

On the night before he suffered, 
''\ am ready. God grant me strength 
and a joyful resurrection.'* 

At the stake. 
'^ Shall I disdain to suffer at this stake^ 
when my Lord and Saviour refused not to 
sujBfer a most vile death for me?" 



POLYCARP, Pastor of Smyrna. Martyred A. D. 
170. ML 86. 

Prayer at the stake. 

^' O Father of thy well-beloved and bless- 
ed Son Jesus Christy through whom we have 
known thee; O God of angels, powers, and 
of every living creature, and of just men who 
live in thy presence, I thank thee, that thou 
hast graciously vouchsafed, this day and this 



272 DYING SAYINGS ?!& ' 

hour^ to allot me a portion in the number of 
martyrs; that I should drink of the cup of 
Christj for the resurrection to everlasting 
life^ both of body and soul, through the 
operation of the Holy Spirit; among whom 
I shall this day be received into thy sight as 
an acceptable sacrifice: and as thou hast 
prepared and revealed this before-hand, so 
hast thou novi^ accomplished and fulfilled it, 

thou most true God^ who canst not lie. 
Wherefore^ for all these things I praise thee, 

1 bless thee, 1 glorify thee, through the ever- 
lasting Bishop and Shepherd of our souls^ 
Christ Jesus; to whom, with thee and the 
Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world 
without end. Amen/' 

Player in thefiames, 

" O God, the Father of thy beloved Son 
Jesus Christ, through whom we have re- 
ceived the knowledge of thee; O God, the 
Creator of all things, upon thee 1 call; thee 
1 confess to be the true God ; thee I glorify : 
O Lord, receive me, and make me a com- 
panion of the resurrection of the saints, 
through the merits of our great High Priest, 
thy beloved Son Jesus Christ; to whom, 
with the Father, and God the Holy Ghosts 
be honour and glory for ever. Amen." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 273 

Rev. SAMUEL POMTRET, London, [I] Died/ 
A. D. 1721. iEt. 71. 

To an attendant y who occasionally waited on him, 
'' Come^ see — see a dying man under ex- 
quisite pains^ yet not afraid to die.'' 

To another person, 

'' Absent from the body, present with the 
Lord/^ 

*^*^ Outward pain and inward peace." 
^^ Here we cannot arrive at perfection ; but 
at my dissolution^ when my soul is carried 
by angels to my dear Redeemer^ I shall be 
presented spotless, and without wrinkles/' 

When one looked sorrowfully on him as a dying man. 
'' O, you should rather rejoice." 

When asked how he was as death approached, 
^^ Better and better.'' 
In reply to the same question when near death, 

^^ Almost well." 



Dr. JOHN PRESTON, an eminent Clergyman in 
the Reign of James I. Died, ^t. 41. 

A few hours before his deaths on being told it was the 
Lord's day. 

'' A fit day to be sacrificed upon ; I have 
accompanied saints on earthy and now 1 shall 

N 3 



274 DYING SAYINGS 

accompany angels in heaven. My dissolu- 
tion is at hand. Let me go to my home and 
to Jesus Christ, who hath bought me with 
liis precious blood." 

*^I feel death coming to my heart. My 
pain shall now be quickly turned into joy." 



PROSPER, a Pupil of Angnstine, Pastor of Rbe- 
gium, in France, Died, A. D. 460. 

To his people around his death bed. 
'^ The life which I have enjoyed was but 
given me^ on condition that I should render 
it again^ not grudgingly^ but gladly. For 
me to stay longer here, may seem better for 
you, but for me it is better to be dissolved." 



Rev. THOMAS READER, [I.] Taunton. Died, 
A. D. 1794. ^t. 69. 

I7i an illness from ivhich he had a temporary respite. 
^^If God were to give me my choice, 
either to be sick or well, to live or die, I 
would refer it back to him again. If he 
has any more work for me to do, he will 
raise me up again; if not, he will take me 
to himself/' 

^^^ All is well that God does. Infinite wis- 
dom knows what is best for me. God loves 
me better than I line mvself. He is a tender 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 275 

Father. This affliction is designed in mercy^ 
I know it will do me good/' 

^' I have advanced two steps nearer hea- 
ven.'* 

*^ The plan of salvation is exactly suited 
to my needs — it is just what I want — I would 
not have one thing taken out of it. The 
gospel is the very thing poor sinners need/' 

'' I do not trust in myself^ God knows that 
1 do not — I do trust in Christ alone. 
' His worth, if all the nations knew, 
Sure the whole earth would love him too.' " 



^^ My breath is short; but it is a comfort 
that it will be shorter soon." — ^^The carnal 
world would do as Christians do^ if they 
saw with their eyes.'' 

To some young 'persons. 

'^ I am an old man^ have had long expe^ 
rience of things^ and must therefore be some- 
what of a judge^ and this I am sure of^ — 
there is no happiness till you come to Christ, 
and then it is impossible Satan can make you 
miserable. — If the worst man on earth were 
to plead the grace of this promise, ^ A new 
heart also will I give you, and a new spirit 
will I put within you/ &c. it would not be 
withheld from him. — I am now going home 



276 DYING SAYINGS 

to my Master: it is entirely through the 
riches of the grace of Christ; so much so, 
that if heaven were to be purchased by one 
ivarm affection, I could not command it." 

Under agony, 

^^ It is of the Lord's mercies that I am not 
consumed. This is infinitely better than my 
deserts — it is not hell.'' 

'^\ know whom I have believed, and am 
persuaded he is able to keep that which I 
have committed to him against that day/' 

" ' A guilty, weak, and helpless worm/ 

that is my character ; if Christ had been a 
man only, I should have been wretched in- 
deed ; but the adorable Jesus is infinitely 
mighty, and if a poor feeble worm is taken 
care of by such an one, he has no reason to 
fear." 

To one who expressed regret at his pain in his last 
attack of illness, 

'' I am not sorry, for it is fitting rne for 
heaven," 

Last words. 

''I am poor and needy, yet the Lord 
thinketh upon me/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 277 

Rev. J. REECE, [I] ShefBeld. Died, A. D. 1801, 

JEt. 40. 

^^ Jesus Christ will answer all for me/' 

To one who stood beside him. 
'"^ You are yet unconverted to God." 

To another. 
'' You have long attended the means of 
grace, but without saving advantage to 

vour soul.*' 

%/ 

To a brother minister. 
'' I shall soon be gone, — don't say any fine 
things of me. I am a poor sinner saved by 
grace. I deserve a thousand hells; but Je- 
sus Christ has done all for me." 



Dr. RIDLEY, Bishop of London. Martyred at 
Oxford, A. D. 1555. 

On the night before his execution. 

''Though my breakfast be somewhat 
sharp and painful, yet I am sure my supper 
shall be more pleasant." 

^'I intend to go bed, and sleep as quietly 
as I ever did in my life." 

To Bishop Latimer, his fellow-martyr, when at the 
stake. 

'' Be of good heart, brother, for God will 



278 DYING SAYINGS 

either assuage the violence of the flame, or 
give us strength to bear it.'* 

Dying prayer. 
'' O heavenly Father, I give thee hearty 
thanks for that thou hast called me to be a 
professor of thee, even unto death. I beseech 
thee. Lord God, have mercy on this realm 
of England, and deliver it from all its ene- 
mies/" 

Last words. 

'' Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my 
spirit! Lord, receive my soul!'' 



Dr. ANDREW RIVET. Died, at Breda, A. D. 
1651. ^t. 78. 

'^ Great God, thou art my Father. Thou 
didst give me life and a new life. Thou 
hast taught me from my youth, and I have 
shewn forth thy wonders : leave me not now 
in my old age. Thou hast hitherto, by a 
single favour, preserved me in health of 
body, and in all the faculties of my soul . 
so that, till this heavy disease seized me, I 
found myself as strong in the exercise of my 
calling, as in my youth. Lord, if it be thy 
will and pleasure to employ me any longer 
in thy service, thou canst in a moment ease 
me; but if thou hast otherwise ordained^ 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 279 

behold, I am thy servant, thy will be done. 
I only pray that it may please thee to make 
me in all things conformable to thy holy will. 
Let not thy good Spirit depart from me, to 
the end I may obtain the victory in this com- 
bat through thy strength. Grant, Lord, for 
thine own sake, seeing thou hast employed 
me in thy work, that I may die in an exem- 
plary manner; that I may stand fast in that 
sound doctrine which I have preached; and 
by a lively faith apply to myself all those 
promises of the gospel, that may be effectual 
in me, to my joy and everlasting consolation ; 
so that nothing may either separate me from, 
or make me in the least degree doubt of thy 
love. Thou knowest my weakness, O Lord ; 
let not extremity of pain cast me into impa- 
tience or murmuring. Make it either tole- 
rable, or grant me constancy and patience to 
bear it.'* 

Speaking of his labours, 
*' God did by me do the work. Shall I 
set my righteousness in his sight? Ged for- 
bid. If I should justify myself, my own 
mouth would condemn me, 1 will rather 
humbly confess my sin to him. 1 w ill pray 
him to augment in me sorrow to repentance. 
Let him bruise this body with pain; it mat- 



280 DYING SAYINGS 

ters not^ so he give me a contrite heart and a 
broken spirit^ which may be an acceptable 
sacrifice to him/' 



^' I am one of God's children, he will save 
me; he hath honoured me with an holy call- 
ing; he hath not suffered his gifts in me to 
be altogether unprofitable in the edification 
of his church ; and indeed I may say truly, 
that I laboured in his service, not for anv 
dishonest gain, but out of a free heart; and 
that I was first persuaded myself of the truths 
of the gospel which I preached to others; 
yea, they were powerful in me. I found the 
sweetness of God's word, and the piercing 
virtue of it, which reaches to the dividing 
of the spirit and the marrow, and which is 
the judge of the thoughts and intentions of 
the heart. Thou, O Lord, knowest my 
heart. Thou knowest that I was never 
ashamed of thy gospel, and that I ever ac- 
counted it my greatest honour to be thy ser- 
vant. I acknowledge in all humility, that 
whatever was good in me proceeded from thy 
pure grace, and all my faults were the fruits 
of my natural corruption. How often I 
have oflTended, both by omissions and com- 
missions ! How great my negligence hath 



OF EMIKENT CHRISTIANS. 281 

been on many occasions! O Lord my God, 
enter not into judgment with thy servant^ for 
no flesh shall be justified in thy sight. Let 
me not be found clothed with my own right- 
eousness, but with the righteousness of thy 
Son. In his name I beg pardon. Forgive 
me, O my God, forgive, I beseech thee, the 
iniquity of thy servant, \^ ho is inclined to 
thy fear/' 

To a minister who asked how he was, 

''\ am pretty strong, neither doth my 
tongue fail me; but — ^I must go another 
way, even that which the everliving God 
did appoint me from my childhood. I were 
the most ungrateful man upon the earth, if 
I should not acknowledge God's mercy to- 
wards me, who hath so wonderfully preserved 
me, even from my cradle; — from that time 
my mother dedicated me to God's service, 
and he hath abundantly blessed me in the 
whole course of my life; and therefore I put 
my whole trust in his mercy, being ready 
either to live or to die. I beseech you give 
this testimony to all the world, that I die 
in that faith and doctrine which, both by 
preaching and writing, I have maintained.'' 
On ordering every person who came to be admitted, 

'' It becomes a man of my character to be 



282 DYING SAYINGS 

an example for others, that they may learn 
how to die/' 

In prospect of much suffering, 

'^ O Lord, have mercy upon me. Deliver 
me from the shame which I fear, for thou 
art merciful. I humbly thank thee, O Lord 
my God, that thou smitest me in the least 
noble part of my body ; leaving me yet ray 
understanding free to meditate upon thy 
power and goodness. I beseech thee, O 
Lord, to continue to me that unspeakable 
grace, seeing I consecrate my mouth to thee, 
that I may utter no words but of edification, 
praise, and thanksgiving. Let not my mouth 
be polluted with any filth, but let this house 
of my body fall on that side where the breach 
began, and let me look upon it with a calm 
soul, lifted up towards the things which are 
above, to which I aspire ; knowing that flesh 
and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of 
God, nor corruption, incorruption. Lord, 
what is man, that thou makest so great ac- 
count of him, and that thou thinkest upon 
him ? He is like to vanity : he is but flesh : 
a wind that passeth away and returneth not. 
There needs no more to overthrow the 
strongest, than a little obstacle, which all 
the remedies of art cannot remove. Thou 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 283 

hast done it^ O Lord : it is thy will^ and it 
is mine also. Be it unto me according to 
thy word. I am in thy tender and fatherly 
hands. I fear nothing. Thou art my de- 
fence and my rich reward.'* 

To those who spoke comfort to him. 

^^ Courage! Continue these sayings to 
strengthen me. God will furnish you with 
what is fit for that purpose ; for he not only 
assisteth the sick person, but those also who 
are called to his aid. He is near to them who 
call upon him in truth.'* 

To his niece, 

'^ Leave me not. Continue with me in 
prayers. Help my weakness. Fear not to 
speak to me whatever God shall put into 
your mouth. Such sweet and pleasant con- 
ference will help me to pass this night the 
more quietly; and God will be with us; 
for he easeth our infirmities, he assisteth our 
good intentions, and furnisheth us with mat- 
ter of prayer and thanksgiving.*' 



'^My God, thou hast allured me. I have 
been drawn by thee. Thou hast known me 
from my mother's womb with a merciful 
and powerful knowledge. Thou didst open 



284 DYING SAYINGS 

mine ear ; and I have been attentive. I have 
shewed forth thy praise in the congregation 
Thy word hath been more sweet in my mouth 
than honey. What am I^ O Lord? dust an 
ashes^ an earthen vessel ; and yet thou hast 
been pleased to put into this vessel an im- 
mortal seed. Thou livest, O Lord^ and thou 
quickenest me. I shall not die, but live 
eternally that true life which is hid with 
Christ in God. Happy is he that is a par- 
taker of the first resurrection : the second 
death shall have no power over him. Behold, 
I am dead; and I am risen again. I live no 
more in mvself, but I live in the life of the 
Son of God, who loved me and gave him 
self for me. I am less than the least of all 
thy mercies. Thou didst choose me before 
thou gavest me a being. Thou gavest me 
to be born of faithful parents, and particu- 
larly of a godly mother, who dedicated me 
to thy service from my childhood. O, with 
what care and affection did she implant in 
me the seeds of godliness! That great God 
who worketh all things in us, blessed her 
endeavours, and heard her fervent praj^ers, 
in accepting me for his servant. I am thy 
servant, O Lord ; thou hast instructed me 
from my youth, and hitherto I have shewed 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 285 

forth thy wonders and mercies. Thy gifts 
have not been fruitless in me. Thou dost 
thy work by weak instruments. Thou hast 
forgiven me; thou hast strengthened me. 
And now^ O Lord^ since by all appearances 
thou wilt take me out of this vale of misery^ 
leave me not in this last and important scene 
of action. If thou wilt have me to die at 
this instant^ I am willing, my heart is pre- 
pared. Lord, I give thee my heart; it is all 
thou requirest. Accept this offering. Lord, 
I thank thee that thou teachest me; thou 
enlightenest me; thou speakest to my soul. 
Lord, thou embracest me in thy infinite mer- 
cies; let me also embrace thee by a lively 

faith. ^' 

To his niece. 

'' Weep not, but bless God for the patience 

he gives me, and wonder at his goodness to 

me. Mark well my words, even to the last 

sigh of my breath. Strive to write them 

down, to the end that my dear brother, and 

others of my friends that are absent, may 

thereby be edified and comforted/' 

Under darkness, 
'' Alas, how can I be joyful, when he that 
giveth me courage is departed from me? — 
That spirit of comfort, which filled ray soul 



\ 



286 DYING SAYINGS 

with peace and joy^ is offended with me. For 
I have listened to those who talked to me of 
coming into the world again. I have been 
tickled with a desire of life, after having 
tasted the sweet fruits of the heavenly Ca- 
naan, and conceived by faith those riches 
above. What shall I now do? A holy fire 
had kindled my meditation, and now vain 
thoughts quench it. I cannot forget an old 
satire, and such idle toys of no moment ; so 
that I fall back while I am hasting to death. 
But, dear niece, cease not to entertain me 
with good conversation. Call back the 
Comforter, that he may return and finish 
that good work he had so well begun in me. 
O, come again and strengthen me, before I 
go hence and be no more!" 
To his ivife, 

*^^ Farewell, dear heart, whom I have loved 
better than myself. We have lived now 
thirty years together in peace and love. I 
thank you for your assistance. You have 
been a good helper to me: I entreat you to 
continue your great love to ray child.'* 
To his son. 

'' And you, my son, love and honour this 
dear comfort of my life, who hath been a 
mother to you. I pray and command you^ 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 287 

if you would have God to bless you, that 
what I have purchased by my labours you 
will share between you^ according to equity 
and rights without contention or debate. Do 
all in love and Christian wisdom. Promise 
me now [joining their hands] that there shall 
be a holy^ mutual love between you. — 1 will 
believe you, for I have no reason to doubt 
your sincerity. I know you fear God, and 
that you will observe my last commands ; as 
I pray God to make my blessing effectual 
upon you." 

To his toife. 

'' The Lord bless you^ my dear heart. 
The Lord comfort and strengthen you. He 
is the husband of the widow and father of 
the fatherless.'' 

To his son, 

'' The great God bless you, my son ; lead 
thee in all thy ways; enrich thee in all 
Christian virtues; give thee to abound in all 
spiritual and temporal blessings. Contemn 
the world, and all the covetousness of it. Let 
thy chief happiness be the blessing of God. 
Be strong in faith, and furnished to every 
good work. May the peace of God rest 
upon thee, and make thee peaceable and 
charitable; and those three young children. 



288 



DYING SAYINGS 



whom I commit to thy care, will be fit sub- 
jects to exercise thy charity upon." 

To his niece. 
'^ Farewell, dear niece ; we have an affinity 
in the heavens which shall last for ever. The 
Lord bless thee." 

In 'pain, 

'' I know, O Lord, that this tabernacle 
cannot be dissolved without pain. The heart 
is yet strong, and I have yet many pangs to 
suffer. Lord, help my infirmities! Depart 
not from me in the day of my distress! Say 
to my soul, I am he that can deliver thee. 
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance.'' 



'' Farewell once more, my friends. I am 
going away. Look to me ; and cease not 
to strengthen me by your prayers and ex- 
hortations. When I can speak no more, I 
shall strive to give you such signs as may be 
testimonies of my faith." 



^^ And is it so that I yet live and have 
streng1:h to speak ? It is God that doth it. 
My strength is renewed, to the end I may 
glorify my God, and exalt his holy name. 
Lord^ I am not impatient. I wait the mo- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 289 

mentthat thou hast ordained. I believe; I 
persevere; I cannot be moved." 



^^I shall shortly see no diflference of day 
and night ; for^, indeed^ I am come to the eve 
of the great and everlasting day. I am go- 
ing to a place where the sun shall no more 
shine on me ; but my God shall be my eternal 
light. Lord, thou already spreadest some 
beams of light in my soul; and thou givest 
me eyes to see it. Deliver me out of this 
jail, that I may praise thy name. I do not 
yet slight this body; yet I think on the re- 
newing of it; for 1 know that the dead shall 
live : yes, and my dead body likewise. ' It 
is sown in corruption, it shall rise again in 
incorruption.' It shall be made conformable 
to the glorious body of Jesus Christ, the first 
fruits of them that sleep. I shall see him in 
my flesh. My own eyes shall see him. I 
shall behold his face in righteousness, and 
shall be filled with his likeness when I shall 
be awaked again. He hath loved me with a 
cordial love. He hath kissed me with the 
kisses of his mouth. He hath put far from 
me all fear. He hath filled me with peace 
and joy in believing. O incomprehensible 



290 DYING SAYINGS 

love! What I feel is far beyond all ex- 
pression." 



^^I can do no more. I am going away. 
Lord^ come and receive me. Make no delay. 
Receive thy creature. 1 long for thee, O 
my God. My soul looketh for thee as the 
parched earth for moisture. When shall I 
enter and present myself before the face of 
God? Come^ Lord^ come Jesus; take me 
into thy bosom, I long for his coming; yet 
do I not fret myself. I w^ait; I believe; 1 
persevere. Though he delays my joy^ yet I 
am in my way: and the sense of his favour 
grows in me every moment. My pain is 
sufFerable, and my joy is beyond value. I 
have longed for the coming out of new books; 
but now thoU;, O Lord^ art all to me^ and to 
be near to thee is all my happiness. O^ what 
a brave library shall I have in God, in whom 
are hid all the treasures of learning and 
knowledge. I have learned more divinity 
in ten days^ ^vherein thou hast visited me, 
than in fifty years before. Thou hast made 
me to go home into myself, where I was not 
before; for I was in the world: but I am 
now in the school of my God ; and he in- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 291 

structs me after a different manner from that 
of all those doctors, in the reading of whose 
works I have employed so much time. O, 
what darkness, what dullness, what vanity, 
in whatever proceeds from the wit of man I 
But thy doctrine, O Lord my God, is all- 
suflScient, and plentifully furnished with 
good fruits/' 

To his visitors^ 
'' Wonder not. I can do nothing myself. 
It is God that worketh all in all,^ that all may 
be humbled. Here is a school of humility. 
Look on me, and remember the mercy of 
God in me. See how he casteth me down 
with his mighty hand, in order to exalt and 
glorify me in his due time. The sufferings 
of this world are not to be weighed with the 
glory to come, which shall be revealed in us- 
It is my delight that I can glorify God evea 
in death. Sweet death! It is a passage into 
life everlasting.^' 



'' O Lord, strengthen the soul of thy ser- 
vant, that he may remain constant to the end. 
I hope this combat will not last long. End, 
Lord, that the end may crown the work.*' 

o 2 



292 DYING SAYINGS 

^^ Be not sorry for me. These last hours 
have nothing terrible in them. This body, 
indeed^ suffers; but the soul is comforted, 
strengthened^ and filled according to my wish. 
The Lord is my Shepherd ; I shall not want. 
His rod and his staff shall lead me safely 
through this short valley of the shadow of 
death. This little cloud hides not from me 
the light of heaven; it shines in my soul." 

"^^Havel not said all? Nothing is now to be 
donCj but to give up this soul into the hands 
of God. Is it not time^ O Lord? My God, 
let this suffice. O, everliving God, receive 
my soul: I resign it into thy hands; for 
thou hast ransomed me, O God of verity. 
Look upon my sorrows and my sufferings, 
and pardon all my sins. Yes, it is done. He 
hath done away all mine iniquities ; shorten, 
therefore, and abate my pain. O Lord, hear 
my prayer; for it is time.'' 

On hearing the words " Whom he did predestinate,'' 
6fc, Ro7n. viii. 

"^ Yes, grace upon grace. O, what a 
lovely chain! It is a golden chain. There 
is no more than the last link of it to be 
finished in me. O, let me die the death of 
the righteous, that I may behold those riches 
which eye hath not seen, and which have not 






OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 293 

entered into the heart of man. Thou givest 
me some taste of them already. They are 
sweet things. They are refreshings not to 
be expressed/' 

To a minister who had prayed with him. 

'' You have helped me. While you were 
calling upon God, I found my infirmity 
eased. Encourage me still. I have but a 
short race to run. I almost touch the goal. 
I advance. I get new strength. I touch the 
prize, and lay hold on eternal life.*' 
In increasing pains. 

'*^Come, Lord Jesus, come. I can do no 
more; yet do I not lose my patience. My 
soul waiteth for thee, as the thirsty earth for 
rain. As the hart panteth after the water- 
brooks, so my soul panteth after thee, O God, 
O, when shall I enter, and present myself 
before the face of my God? I am very 
weak, but my soul is strengthened, is joyful/' 
To his wife, son, and niece. 

'' I am going to thy God and my God, 
We have gained all. Amen! Farewell, 
my son ! Farewell, my dear niece! Be not 
afraid. I have prayed for you. You will 
be happy. Persevere. Let none take away 
your CTown from you. I go before. You 
shall follow, doubt not. We all shall go 



294 DYING SAYINGS 

together, and meet our Lord in the air, and 
so shall be with him for ever. There is no- 
thing more to be said or done. I am ready. 
I am prepared. Come, Lord Jesus ; take 
thy creature. Come. I climb. I hope. I 
knock at the gate. Open; open. Lord, to 
thy poor servant!'" 

In the article of death, 

'' There is a fast assurance in me.*' 

'' I have fought the good fight, I have 

finished my course, I have kept the faith ; 

henceforth there is laid up for me a crovrn, 

which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall 

give me at that day.'" 



Rev. THOMAS ROBINSON, [I.] Whitworth, 
Lancashire. Died, A. D. 1819. ^t. 56. 

'^ I have been preserved from suffering 
great distress ; but have not been free from 
all fears. I can rely upon the faithfulness 
of God. I know whom I have trusted." 

'^ I am sure God will not be unfaithful to 
his promise, or he would not have shewn me 
what he has for these forty years. I have 
been sincere; — my profession and depend- 
ance on him have been sincere. I am satis- 
fied with his plans; — and if he had revealed 
any other plan of salvation, I should have 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 295 

been satisfied with it ;^ — any way of salvation 
which he had revealed 1 could have trusted. 
But in that way which he has brought to 
lights there is such a glory^ that I delight in 
it: it is such a rich display of grace^ such a 
glorious way : I am sure that it is sufficient, 
and can confidently trust it. But for myself, 
I have no merits that I can present before 
God. I should think that it would be as 
great an insult to the divine Being, to pre- 
sent my works as a ground of acceptance, as 
it would be to offer him blasphemies, I 
must trust his grace/' 

'^ I cannot — I dare not plead a single 
work that ever I have done before God ; they 
are all so imperfect, that in all my life there 
is not one which I could present to him as 
worthy of his acceptance; if he does accept 
of any of them, it must be of his own free 
grace." 

To a minister, 

'' I hope God will enable me to submit to 
his will, as long as I continue here; but I 
would much — much — much rather depart, 
and be with Christ." 

'' I long to depart and be with Christ, 
which is far better." 

'' Let Jesus be at one end of the universe. 



296 DYING SAYINGS 

and a poor soul at the other^ if Jesus only 
smiles on the poor soul, oh, what a sight! — 
what a sight!'* 

Last words, on his son reminding him he would soon be 
in heaven. 

'^ Yes, yes; soon, soon ; I hope, I hope/' 



Rev. ROBERT ROLLOCK, educated under the 
learned Buchanan. Died, A. D. 1598. Mt, 43. 

*^ O my God, I have hitherto seen but 
darkly in the glass of thy word. O Lord, 
grant that I may enjoy the eternal fruition of 
thy countenance, which I have so much de- 
sired and longed for. I bless God, I have 
all my senses entire ; but my heart is in hea- 
ven; and, Lord Jesus, why shouldest thou 
not have it ? It hath been my care, all my 
life long, to dedicate it to thee. I pray thee 
take it, that it may live with thee for ever. 
Come, Lord Jesus, put an end to this mise- 
rable life. Haste, Lord, and tarry not. Christ 
hath redeemed me, uot to a frail and momen- 
tary, but to eternal life. Come, Lord Jesus, 
and give me that life for which thou hast 
redeemed me. I have gone through all the 
degrees of this life, and now am come to my 
end : why should I go back again ? O Lord, 
help me, that I may go through this last de-^ 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS 297 

gree with thy assistance. Lead me to that 
glory which I have seen as through a glass. 
O that I were with thee !'" 

On being told the next day was a sabbath, 
'' Thy sabbath^ O Lord, shall begin my 
eternal sabbath. My eternal sabbath shall 
take its beginning from thy sabbath. I am 
weary of this life. All my desire is, that I 
may enjoy that celestial life which is hid 
with Christ in God/' 

'"^ Haste, Lord, and do not tarry. I am 
weary both of nights and days. Come, Lord 
Jesus, that I may come to thee. I desire to 
be dissolved and to be with thee. Haste, 
Lord Jesus, and defer no longer. Go forth, 
my weak life, and let a better succeed. O 
Lord Jesus, take my soul to thyself." 



Rev. WILLIAM ROMAINE, A. M., Rector of 
St. Anne*s Church, Blacktriars. Died, A. D. 
1795. ^t. 83. 

On being asked if his views were happy • 
" Yes; upon that point I have no doubt, 
for I have much of the presence of Jesus 
with me/' 

After a temporary revival, 

*' This is but a poor dying life at best. 
However, I am in his hands who will do the 

o3 



298 DYING SAYINGS 

best for me — I am sure of that. I have lived 
to experience all I have spoken^ and all I 
have written^ and I bless God for it." 

'^ I have the peace of God in ray con- 
science^ and the love of God in my heart, 
and that you know is sound experience/' 

^^I knew before the doctrines I preached 
to be truths, but now I experience them to be 
blessings/^ 

On being asked if God icas with him. 

^^ Yes, he is indeed, and he is my God.'' 
On one expressing a hope that he found Christ precious, 

^^ Yes, yes, yes, more precious than rubies, 
and all that can be desired on earth is not to 
be compared to him." 

Last audible icords. 

'' Holy^ Holy^ Holy, Lord God Almighty, 
glory be to thee on high, for such peace on 
earth and good will unto men." 



Rev. RICHARD ROTH WELL, of Barnard Cas- 
tle, called the Apostle of the North. Died;. 
A. D. 1627. MX. 64. 

On being asked by some of his perple how he ioas» 

''1 am well, and shall be well shortly''— 

To afriendf in coniinuat.on -vjkispering, 

'' Do you know my meaning f I shall be 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 299 

with Christ ere long; but do not tell them 

so/' 

To a friend. 

'^ Pray — pray." 

After prayer. 
'^ Now 1 am well : happy is he that hath 
not bowed a knee to Baal/' 

[He died singing a portion of Ps. 120.] 



Rev. SAMUEL RUTHERFORD, Author of 
Letters, &c. 

^^ I shall shine; I shall see him as he is^ 
and all the fair company with him ; and shall 
have my large share. It is no easy thing to 
be a Christian; but as for me, I have got 
the victory^ and Christ is holding forth his 
arms to embrace me. I have had my fears 
and faintings as another sinful man ; but as 
sure as ever he spake to me in his word, his 
Spirit witnessed to my hearty saying, ^ Fear 
not;' he had accepted my offerings^ and the 
outgate should not be matter of prayer^ but 
of praise. Thy word was found, and I did 
eat it ; and it was to me the joy and rejoicing 
of my heart. Now I feel, I believe^ I enjoy, 
I rejoice. *' 

^^^ I feed on manna; I have angels' food; 



300 DYING SAYINGS 

my eyes shall see my Redeemer. '1 know 
that he shall stand at the latter day on the 
earthy and I shall be caught up in the clouds 
to meet him in the air. I sleep in Christ; 
and when I awake^ I shall be satisfied with 
his likeness, O^ for arms to embrace him!'* 

To one who spoke of his labours. 
'' I disclaim all. The port I would be at 
is redemption and forgiveness of sins through 
his blood. '^ 

Last words. 

''Glory^ glory dwells in Immanuel's land '* 



Rev. JOHN RYLAND, D, D., [P. B.] Tutor of 
the Baptist College, Bristol. Died, A. D. 1825. 
^t. 72. 

^""My flesh and my heart faileth, but God 
is the strength of my heart and my portion 
for ever/' 

On being asked if he had any doubts, 
^' I cannot say that I have^ but great cause 
for self-abasement. '* 

*^^ Holy Spirit^ take of the things of 
Christy and shew them to my soul." 

'' Lord^ direct my heart into the love of 
God, and into the patient waiting for Christ!*" 
"^"^Lord, pity oie^ and lay me low in the 
'dust at thy feet for Jesus' sake V* 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 301 

Rev. JOHN SAFFERY, [P. B.] Salisbury. 
Died, A. D. 1825. ML 63. 

^^ Lord^ hear my prayers for the spread of 
thy gospel." 

^^ I am as happy as I can be/' 

^' The hand of God is upon me^ but un- 
derneath me are the everlasting arms/' 

'^ I have no doubt I am going to heaven; 
the Saviour whom I have served so imper- 
fectly, and vy^hose glory I have feebly at- 
tempted to promote, is with me. 

* How ©an I sink with such a prop 
As my eternal God V " 

'^ The battle is fought, the victory is won 
— through the atonement — Christ has done 
it.'' 

'^ Lord, now lettest thou thv servant de- 
part in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy 
salvation." 

Placing his hands across his breast, and breathing out 
his last prayer and breath, 

'' Lord, grant me thy salvation!" 



ROBERT SANDERSON, D. D., Bishop of Lin- 
coln. Died, A. D. 1662. m. 75. 

After taking the sacrament. 

*' I have now^, to the great joy of my soul. 



302 DYING SAYINGS 

tasted of the all-saving sacrifice of my Sa- 
viour's death and passion; and with it re- 
ceived a spiritual assurance that my sins past 
are pardoned^ and my God at peace with me ; 
and that I shall never have a will or power 
to do any thing that may separate my soul 
from the love of my dear Saviour. Lord^ 
confirm this belief in me ; and make me still 
to remember that it was thou^ O God^ that 
tookest me out of my mother's womb, and 
hast been the powerful Protector of me to 
this present moment of my life. Thou hast 
neither forsaken me now I am become grey- 
headed, nor suffered me to forsake thee in 
the late days of temptation, and sacrifice my 
conscience for the preservation of my liberty 
or estate. It was not of myself, but by grace, 
that 1 have stood, when others have fallen 
under my trials; and these mercies I now 
remember with joy and thankfulness; and 
my hope and desire is, that 1 may die re- 
membering this, and praising thee, my mer- 
ciful God." 

'' Lord, forsake me not now my strength 
faileth me, but continue thy mercy, and let 
my mouth be ever filled with thy praise." 

'' My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is 
fixed where true joy is to be found." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 303 

Rev. LAWRENCE SAUNDERS, Rector of All 
Hallows, Bread Street, London, &c. Martyred 
in the Reign of Queen Mary. 

^t the stake. 

'' Welcome the cross of Christ ! Welcome 
everlasting life!*' 



Rev. JONATHAN SCOTT, [I.] Died, A. I). 
1807, ^t. 72. 

'^ No pain of bodj^ nor terrors of mind.'^ 

To a servant on the sabbath day. 

'' James, I am going to spend an eternal 
sabbath!" 



'' Men shall be blessed in HIM! In HIM 
— no blessing out of him^ mind you that." 

''^ Precious Jesus! Precious Jesus! Jesus 
is precious to me!" 

To a minister, 
'' When you preach, my brother, bring it 
all out at once : — don't keep it as men keep 
a new guinea, all to the last/' 

To another minister. 
'' Use your tongue, brother, for the glory 
of God. Bring the people to Christ at once, 
and tell them simply what you know of him 
— and may the Lord bless you!" 



304 DYING SAYINGS 

To a female friend weeping. 
^' Daughters of Jerusalem^ weep not for 
me, but for yourselves." 



^^ I want nothing but Jesus/' 

On his wife observing *' You have heaven in your coun- 
tenance. 

^^ I have more than that, my love : I have 

it in my hearty and that's better!" 

To the same, 

'' Make the Lord thy refuge. You must 
all come to the blood of sprinkling : I be- 
lieve you have. My dear love^ I commit 
thee into the hands of Jesus^ with all thy 
weighty concerns.'' 



'' The Lord sees my heart, and I know 
that his eye is upon me. I am the chief of 
sinners. Let nothing be said of me but that 
I am the chief of sinners!'' 

To his wife. 
'' I hope you can give me up to the Lord." 

To a minister who was going to preach to his flock. 
'' Brother, go and tell them I am going to 
heaven; but all who die out of Christ will 
go to to hell," 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 305 

To another minister. 

^'God bless you in Christ for ever and 
ever and ever! — but I am weak/' 



Rev. THOMAS SCOTT, Rector of Aston Sand- 
ford, Bucks. Died, A. D. 1821. ^t. 75. 

'' I think nothing of my bodily pains : my 
soul is all. I trust all will end well ; but it 
is a dreadful conflict. I hope — I fear — I 
tremble— I pray. Satan tries to be revenged 
on me in this awful hour, for all that I have 
done against his kingdom through life. He 
longs to pluck me out of Christ's hand. — 
Subdue the enemy, O Lord! Silence the 
accuser! Bruise Satan under my feet 
shortly/* 

'* * Hide me, O my Saviour hide, 

Till the storm of life is past, 
Safe into the haven guide, 

O receive my soul at last! 
Other refuge I have none!' '^ 

'^ Oh, to enter eternity with one doubt on 
the mind ! Eternity! — eternity! — eternity! '" 

'^ People talk of assurance not being at- 
tainable in this world, nor perhaps much to 
be desired. They and the devil agree on 
this point."' 

'^Oh, what a thing sinh\ — Who know^ 



306 DYING SAYINGS 

eth the power of his wrath? If this be the 
way to heaven, what must the way to hell 
be? ^ If the righteous scarcely be saved, 
where shall the ungodly and the sinner ap- 
pear?' '' 

'' Christ is all — He is my only hope" — 
After taking the sacrament. 

'' Kn undue stress is by some laid upon 
this ordinance, as administered to the sick, 
and I think others of us are in danger of un- 
dervaluing it. It is a means of grace , and 
may prove God's instrument of conveying to 
me the comfort I am seeking.*' 

''^^^Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant 
depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy 
salvation/ '' 

'^ It was beneficial io me : I received Christ, 
and he received me. I feel a composure 
which I did not expect last night : I have not 
triumphant assurance, but something which 
is more calm and satisfactory : I bless God 
for it.** 

^' O Lord, I will praise thee ; though thou 
wast angry with me, thine anger is turned 
awav, and thou comfortest me. Behold, God 
is my salvation; I will trust and not be 
afraid : for the Lord Jehovah is my strength 
and my song; he also is become my salva- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 307 

tion. Therefore with joy shall ye draw 
water out of the wells of salvation/' 

'^Oh^ to realise the fullness of joy! to have 
done with temptation! ^ They shall hunger 
no more, neither thirst any more; neither 
shall the sun light on them^ nor any heat: 
for the Lamb^ which is in the midst of the 
throne^ shall feed them^ and shall lead them 
unto living fountains of waters : and God 
shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. — 
They are come out of great tribulation^ and 
have washed their robes^ and have made 
them white in the blood of the Lamb : there* 
fore are they before the throne of God.' '* 

*' ^ Sin, my worst enemy before. 
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more: 
My inward foes shall all be slain, 
Nor Satan break ray peace again.' '' 

^' ' We know not what we shall be: but 
we knoW:, that when he shall appear, we 
shall be like hira, for we shall see him as he 
is.' " — The righteous hath Iwpe in his death. 
Not driven away: no^ no; noi driven aioay^ 
as the wicked is." 

" ' When I tread the verge of Jordan, 
Bid my anxious fears subside !' '' 

** * Though painful at present, 
'Twill cease before long; 



308 DYING SAYINGS 

And then, oh, how pleasant 
The conqueror's song'.'*' 

^' ' Let the children of thy servant continue 
and his seed be established before thee!' '' 

*' * How would the powers of darkness boast 
If but one praying soul were lost!" *' 

'' Perfect peace!'' 

To his sons, ministers, 

^' Lovest thou me ? It is too late to say to 

mCj but Jesus says to you^ feed my sheep. 

feed my lambs. This is the way to shew 

your love. I have endeavoured to do it, but 

it is all over now." 

'^ What an awful responsibility rests upon 
me! I have done what 1 could. Forgive — 
accept — bless!" 

'^ There is one feeling I cannot have if I 
would. Those that oppose my doctrine have 
slandered me sadly : but I cannot feel any 
resentment. I can only love and pity them, 
and pray for their salvation. I never did 
feel any resentment against them : I only 
regret that I did not more ardently long and 
pray for the salvation of their souls." 

'' I feel most earnest in prayer for the pro- 
motion of Christ's kingdom all over the 
earth. Hallowed be thy name — Thy king- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 309 

dom come — Thy will be done on earthy as it 
is in heaven! — Be thou exalted^ Lord, in 
thy OHM strength; so will we sing and praise 
thy power. There are two causes in the 
worlds — the cause of God, and the cause of 
the devil; the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the cause of the devil. The cause of 
God icill prevail all over the w^orld, among 
all kindreds, and people, and tongues. It 
SHALL fill the whole earth." 

To his grandson. 

'^ I fear my father knew not Immanuel^ the 
Lord our righteousness. You see your grand- 
father, I trust, die a more Christian death 
than his father: may you die a more Chris- 
tian death than either grand-father or great- 
grandfather! To this end lead a more Chris- 
tian life. You have greater advantages than 
they had. You have been planted in the 
courts of the Lord: but oh! despise not the 
birth-right; lest afterwards you find it not^ 
though you seek it carefully with tears. I 
have nothing but my blessing and good- will 
to give you. I have no money to leave you ; 
and if I had, it would be a mere bauble, a 
bubble, all vanity.'' 

A soliloquy, 

''O God, thou art the husband of the 



i!l 



310 DYING SAYINGS 

widow, the father of the fatherless : be thou 
a husband to my widow, a father to my child- 
ren^ a friend to this young friend who sits 
so kindly by me/* 



"^^ I have done with darkness for ever— for 
ever! Satan is vanquished. Nothing now 
remains but salvation^ with eternal glory — 
eternal glory I'' 

^' For a dying day it is all mercy. I have 
waited for thy salvation^ O Lord : preserve 
me yet!" 

'' All my calm and comfort are gone : no- 
thing remains of them but a faint recollec- 
tion. — Well, after all, God is greater than 
Satan. Is not Christ all-sufficient? Can he 
not save to the uttermost ? Hath he not pro- 
mised to save? Lord, deliver me! Suffer 
not Satan to prevail! Pity, pity. Lord, pity 
me!'* 

Referring to his depressed state ofmincL 

^' If it be so, I cannot help it : Thou art 
righteous! Father ^ glorify thy name! 

' if my soul were sent to hell, 

Thy righteous law approves it well. ^ 

Yet save a trembling sinner. Lord, 

Whose hope, still hovering round thy word, 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 311 

Would light on some sweet promise there, 
Some sure support against despair/ 

— Rdund thy word: not hunting after anj 
new revelation : no^ no ; I want nothing neiv; 
nothing but the old doctrine and faith to lay 
hold of it. That will bear me through all." 
To his medical attendant. 

'' Observe, I do not fear death.'' '' The 
Lord's will be done. I want to do my duty : 
I would not shorten my sufferings by the 
least sin." 



'"^One evidence I have of meetness for 
heaven — I feel such love for all mankind — 
to every man upon earth — to those who have 
most opposed and slandered me." 

To a clergyman. 

'' Count it an honour, without recompense 
or reward, in the midst of frowns and oppo- 
sition, to preach the unsearchable riches of 
Christ to poor sinners ; to help to send his 
word all over the earth, by sea and land. 
None but Jesus can do us good: nor can 
we do any good to others but by him. — I 
have suffered more this fortnight than in all 
my seventy-four years; and Christ has ap- 
peared to me a hundred, yea, a thousand 
times, if possible, more precious and glori- 



313 DYING SAYINGS 

ous than ever : sin, more hateful and evil : 
salvation^ more to be desired and valued. — 
Christ is all — the love of Christ — the power 
of Christ. To me to live is Christ ; and to 
die, I hope, will be gain,'' 

'' * More than all in thee I find/ 

I h^ye found more in him than 1 ever expect- 
ed to want.'' 

To his daughter, 

'' I used, about this time in the evening, to 
pray for you all; but I have no power now 
—hardly any to pray for myself. You must 
pray for me. Let me look to Christ to in- 
tercede for me. — I have not quite failed to 
improve the privilege of access to God by 
Christ — of his intercession; but I have not 
availed myself of it as I ought. I hope you 
will all value and improve this inestimable 
privilege. All depends on faith. Lord^ give 
me faith! \\\e precious faith of God's elect ! 
Pray for me that I may have faith — hope — 
love — 

* Till faith is sweetly lost in sight, 
And hope in full supreme delight. 
And everlasting love !' 

— God blessyour poor afflicted father-in-law! 
He, perhaps, will not be here long. God 



Of EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 313 

spare him^ if it be his will ! But may he too 
have the precious faith of God's elect! May 
his partner be blessed, supported^ and sanc- 
tified!'^ 

To his wife, 
^'God be your father and your husband! 
I trust all mine will be kind to you. You 
have been a great blessing to me. We shall, 
I trust, meet in heaven. 1 have less doubt 
of you than of myself/' 



^^ God be merciful to me a sinner, is the 
only ground on which I can rest. The last 
time I spoke to the people it was on these 
words, and I applied them to myself. Be 
merciful to me a sinner — the sinner — the 
chief of sinners. If I am saved, God shall 
have all the glory. '' 

To a poor parishioner^ 

'^ Christ is all, the world is nothing. Had 
I the property of — -, or a hundred times 
more, now that I lie here, what would it be 
worth ? Not a bubble of water. Seek to 
win Christ. Give up every thing ^ every 
thing but duty, to avoid contention. I have 
often prayed for you : often since I lay oh 
this bed. Tell your wife to pray for me : 
she, at least, owes much to me.— I have often 

p 



o 



14 DYING SAYINGS 



prayed for you all: particularly when 1 
thought you were praying for me/' 



''' At any rate I have been a, plain man. The 
hypocrite^ the formalist, ivill not pray alicays. 
I have always resolved to enter eternity pray- 
ing. Lord save me! Note the time is come." 

To his youngest son, 

"^^ What is the world and the glory of it? 
I would not change my hope, lean and mea- 
gre as it is, for all the kingdoms of the 
world and the glory of them, w^re I sure of 
living a thousand years to enjoy them." 

To another son, 

'' Oh that the Lord would beautify me 
with salvation! He will beautify the meek 
with salvation. That ivonld be a beautifying." 

'' You love and pity me; but that will do 
me little good. Your love and pity are 
beautiful, as far as they go: oh, how beau- 
tiful are the love and pity oHhe Saviour!'' 

To his sei^vant, 

^' I thank you for all your kindness to 
me. You have been a faithful domestic, 
and I hope a conscientious one. If at any 
time I have been hasty and sbarp^ forgive 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 315 

me, and pray to God to forgive me: but lay 
the blame upon me, not upon religion/' 



'^ For one thing I rejoice — that I am not 
one of the Carlisle party; nor of the Humes 
and Rousseaus ; nor of the open profligates ; 
nor of the Pelagians^ the self-justifyers. I 
might have been : I have done enough to 
provoke God to give me up/' 

'' May Christ be unto me ' ivisdom^ and 
righteousness^ and justification j, and redemp- 
tion' SANCTiFiCATiON and redemption ; 

Lord^ let me have all, though I should for- 
get to ask aright!'' 

'' If my continuance here in my sufferings 
could be of the least spiritual benefit to any 
one^ I should be contented to wait." 

On taking some refreshment, 

'^ When /do not like any thing, I leave 
it; but the Saviour, though the cup was so 
bitter, did not leave it till he could say^ "^It 
IS finished.' " 

'' I know not how it is, — I repent and 
believe; I think I am sure I do; but I do 
not obtain the clear sense of pardon. There 
seems a great gulf fixed, which I cannot pass. 
It is the effect of disease." 

'^ I have not that comfort I could wish : 

p2 



S16 DYING SAYINGS 

but 1 think mv mind is made up to bear 
quietly whatever God may please to send me^ 
however uncomfortable^ even to the end, if 
it be for his glory'\ 



''^Oh^ dying is hard work. Death is a 
new acquaintance; a terrible one, except as 
Christ giveth its the victory^ and the as- 
siirance of it. My flesh and my heart seem 
as if they icanted to fail and could not. Who 
can tell what that tie is which binds body 
and soul together ? How easily it is loosened 
in some; what a wrench and tear it is in 
others. Lord^ loosen it, if it be thy will! — 
I hope it is not wrong to pray for a release. 
If it be, God forgive me. Yet if it be thy 
will that I should wait for days and weeks. 
Thou art righteous." 

On seeing his wife enter the room. 

*" Here comes another sufferer. Lord, 
thou art he that ccmfortest those that mourn : 
comfort her — support her ! Be thou the 
husband of the widow I" 



'' O Lord, magnify in me thy glory — thy 
justice— thy hatred of sin — thy love— thy 
troth — thy piety ; — and then take me to 
th\selfr'' '' The way is dark and deep ; but 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. Ji/ 

* His way was inucli deeper [rougher] 

And darker than mine ; 
Did Jesas thus suffer, 

And shall I repine V " 

'' If I were what I ought to be, I should 
be willing to live in this state six months, if 
it might be of any spiritual use to the worst 
infidel/' 

'' I pray for patience — I hope, but I can= 
not but feel some fear : and it is such an 
eternal risk, of such infinite importance^ that 
the slightest fear seems to counterbalance 
even prevalent hope/' 

To his grandson. 

''God bless you! I have often preached 
to you, and sometimes talked to you ; but I 
have prayed for you a hundred times more. 
Seek and serve God. Religion is all that is 
valuable. You may think it does little for 
me now; but it is alL May you be a bless- 
ing to your parents, to your brothers and 
sisters. You are the eldest : should you 
outlive your father, be a father to the rest. 
I have always particularly wished you might 
be a minister of Christ : but this I must leave. 
God's will be done!" 

'' God bless you, and make you a blessing 
to your father, mother, brothers, sisters. 



318 DYING SAYINGS 

cousins^ the pupils, schools, poor, and, if it 
might be, to his church !'' 

'^ Once more, my dear grandson, God bless 
you, and make you a blessing to your father, 
and your dear, dear mother, your brothers 
and sisters — a large blessing. Be ambitious, 
if I may so speak, to be useful. I have often 
prayed for you^ pity me, and pray for me. 
You see me a great suflferer : but oh, think 
not worse of Christ, or worse of religion, for 
that. Think worse of sin : none suffer but 
sinners/' 

'' Hie angel that redeemed me from all evil 
bless the lads! — you, your brothers, and all 
your cousins!'' 

^'Rather make forks and rakes, rather 
plough the ground and thresh the corn, than 
be an indolent ungodly clergyman." 

To his curate. 

'' Forgive me if I have been occasionally 
rough and sharp. I meant it for your good : 
but, like every thing of mine, it was mixed 
with sin. Impute it not, however, to my 
religion, but to my want of 9mn*e religion/' 

To his nephew, a clergyman. 

'' Hate sin more — love Christ more — pray 
more earnestly — beware of covetousnessc — 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 319 

Your college feasts are sad things : avoid 
animal indulgences^ if you would lie easy 
on a dying bed.'' 



''Change this vile body of humiliation ^ that 
it may be like thy glorified bocly^ O Saviour^, 
but above all^ let me have thy glorious holi- 
ness^ both of body and soul V 

"^"^How varying are my feelings! But the 
great event cannot depend on what passes in 
a few half-delirious days. No^ ray hope 
rests on a better foundation : it depends 
on my receiving the reconciliation, (Rom. v^ 
11, Gr.) — on my being found in Christ — 
made the righteousness of God in him. Oh 
for ^diiih— faith that icorketh by love — pufi- 
fieth the heart — overcometh the world!'' — 

*' * I wait for thy salvation, Lord, 

With strong desires 1 wait; 
My soul encouraged by thy word, 

Stands watching at thy gate.'^' 

^' This is my last day. Still I have the 
last struggle to pass^ and what that is^ what 
that icrench is^ who can tell me? Lord, give 
me patience^ fortitude, holy courage! I have 
heard persons treat almost with ridicule the 
expression, ^Put underneath me the everlast- 
ing arms,' (Deut. xxxiii, 27.) But it is 



320 DYING SAYINGS 

exactly what I want — everlasting arms to 
raise me up : to be strengthened with might 
by his Spirit in the inner man. I am in full 
possession of all my faculties: I know I am 
dying : I feel the immense^ the infinite im- 
portance of the crisis: Lord Jesus ^ receive 
my spirit! Thou art all I want : 

* None but Jesus 
Can do helpless sinners good/ 

Blessed be God^ there is one Saviour, though 
but one in the whole universe : and 

* His love is as great as his power, 
And neither know s measure nor end. 

Tis Jesus the iBrst and the last, 

Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home: 

We'll praise him for all that is past, 
And trust him for all that's to come/ 

— Had any other done what Christ has for 
us— raised us from such a deplorable^ lost^ 
wicked state — shed his blood for us — sent 
his Spirit to quicken us : would he not be 
greatly aflfronted if we were to doubt his 
perfecting his own work? And yet we are 
apt to doubt Christ's love. God forgive us 
that^ with all the rest of our offences! — He 
that spared not his oicn Son, but delivered 
him up for us ally hoiv shall he not^ tvith him. 
also freely give us all things ? 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 321 

* Sin, my worst enemy before—' 
Ah ! infinitely the worst! 

* Sin, my worst enemy before. 

Shall vex my eyes and ears no more: 
My inward foes shall all be slain. 
Nor Satan break my peace again !* " 

After taking the sacraryient. 

'' We have had, I think, a sacrament of 
love: no resentment, no ill-will, no heart- 
burnings; all good-will, all love of God 
and of one another for Christ's sake/' 

To his grandson, 

'' I cannot say as Christ did. My peace I 
give unto you : I cannot wish e^caciously, 
only benevolently : but I mean what I say ; 
and that is not what you will find many do 
in this world. It is a very insincere world; 
and a man who always means what he speaks 
is not a common character: but he is often 
thought an un-pleasant man,- — as I have 
been/' 

'^ Our light affliction^ ichich is but for a 
moment^ workethfor us a f armor e exceeding 
and eternal iceight of glory, — light, com- 
pared with what sin deserves — with what the 
damned endure— with what the Saviour suf- 
fered/' 

p3 



323 DYING SAYINGS 

To one of his servants, 

" Pray for me : I value your prayers ; and 
that not a whit the less because you are a 
servant. I have often prayed for you, and I 
trust that blessings have come upon you in 
consequence. Pray for 7ne, that, througli 
your prayers^ thanksgivings may redound 
unto God." 

'^ Our happiness here, little as it is, con- 
sists in hungering and thirsting ; (Matt, v, 
6.) but there we shall hunger no more, 
neither thirst any more. Now he is satis- 
fied: now he is comforted. (Luke, xvi^ 25.) 



'^ O death, when wilt thou come and finish 
this (suffering!) Thou answerest, when 
God sends me. Grant me patience, merciful 
God!'^— 

^'^ I have twenty-one grand-children ; the 
Lord bless tbem with all spiritual blessings^ 
and make tbem blessings, large blessings in 
their families, — to the church, — and to the 
world. The God ivkicli fed me all my life 
long bless them! It matters little what their 
station here is— even if servants, like Jacob ! 
■ — the angel ichich redeemed me from all evil 
bless them! Only redeem them from all evil 
— from sin — from guiit^ — from the devil — 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 323 

from this present evil world — and bring 
them to everlasting glory.** 

To his son. 

'^ Again w^e meet once more. Ob^ how 
long will this last ? I feel as if / could not 
die. What need have I of patience and sub- 
mission?" 



'^ I hope my family have too much good 
sense to make a raree'Shoiv of my funeral^ 
either as respects the manner^ or the place^ 
or the tombstone^ or any inscription upon it. 
Hath death its fopperies!- — I should wish 
everything to be merely decorous — below 
par—indeed^ considerably below par to what 
is usual on such occasions. — If it be judged 
quite essential for ^, parson to lie within the 
church-walls^ I will not put such a negative 
upon it as would be distressing to survivors^ 
though I think the dirtiest hole good enough. 
Whoever is paid^ I wish the men who carry 
me to that long home to be amply remu- 
nerated. There is a long document which 
I wrote some years ago, a sort of counterpart 
to the Force of Truth : I do not loish any 
use to be made of it ; but perhaps it may 
prevent errors and mistakes. 1 want no 
memoirs nor obituaries.'* 



324 DYING SAYINGS 

'^ My soul is not happy 7iotc; it is still 
diseased: but I am waiting and expecting 
soon to be quite happy/' 

'' This is hard work : but let us think of 
heaven; let us hope for heaven ; let us pray 
for heaven. We shall soon meet again." 

^' All will be well at last." 

''O Lord, abhor me not — though I be 
indeed ahhorrible and abhor myself! Say 
not. Thou filthy soul, continue filthy still : 
but rather say, I icill, he thou clean." 

'' I have not that fear of death which I 
had." 

'' I find myself much more able to ap- 
proach unto God than I was : but such a 
sense of unworthiness and defilement, as I 
cannot express." 

•'^ Thy will, O Lord, be done !" 

'^ Lord, support me! Receive my spirit! " 

"-^ Can any rational being grieve at my de- 
parture ? If you thought I was going to be 
miserable, you might mourn ; but surely not 
^s it is." 

To hisfainUy, 

•'God knosvs how well I love you all : 
but I have no wish to see any of you again 
in this world. Do not think this crueL" 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 325 

ANNA, COUNTESS OF SEAFIELD. Died, 
A. D. 1706. iEt. 34. 

''O my God, I would open my heart 
wholly to thee: come and take possession 
of it.^' 

'' I do not in the least distrust the mercy, 
the boundless mercy and compassion of 
God; but the deceitfulness of my own heart 
which makes me think I am penitent, when 
perhaps it is only the fear of hell which af- 
fects me; and should I recover again, I 
should again slumber and sleep.'* 

^*^His will be done. I have often entreated 
the Lord to give me a token of his favour 
before I go hence, but he leads me through 
this dark path of the valley and shadow of 
death/' 

'^ O my good God, I will ever praise thee; 
I will never cease to praise thee; I hope 
only in thy mercy, and in the merit of my 
blessed Redeemer; I resign myself wholly 
to thee ; I will never cease to love thee ; O 
take the full possession of my heart, and let 
never any creature enter there any more!'' 

' O what reason have I to wait for ray 
God, who has waited for me so long, whose 
patience and long-suffering have been so 



X 



326 DYING SAYINGS 

great towards me! Yes, my God^ I will 
wait: thy will be done, not mine/' 

'' O why should I complain, who deserve 
not the least favour? Did Jesus on the cross 
cry out as one forsaken of his God, and shall 
I complain at wanting the sense of his fa- 
vour? O, my God, I resign myself wholly 
to thee: thy will be done, not mine. Thou 
canst do nothing amiss. I cast myself down 
at his feet: if I perish, it shall be there. 
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. 
I will never cease to praise him, never cease 
to love him.'' 

'' My tongue shall never cease to'praise 
God while I have a being." 

*^^ What value 1 my reputation? I will 
confess my sins, for they are great and many. 
I am sorry that any one should have thought 
me good. I loathe and abhor myself for my 
sins." 

''O my God, take thou the full possession 
of my soul: shed abroad thy love in my 
heart: fill it with thy love; let there be no 
room for the world; let nothing of this 
world obtain admission, O thou my God, 
my Lord, my all!" 

'^ Peace on earthy good-will towards men. 
O how great is thy good-will towards men V 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 327 

lo her children. 

'^ Ye are no more mine — ye are God's/' 

To her mother. 

'^ Mother^ part willingly with roe^ for you 
see I have parted willingly with mine/' 

'' What^ shall the creature still interpose 
between me and my God ? Begone^ all ye 
creatures! I have vowed it. I have re- 
nounced you all, and given up myself to 
God. I have vowed, O Lord, that I will be 
entirely thine. Lord, take thou the full pos- 
session of my heart : fill every part of it with 
thy love.'' 

'' Lord, strengthen my spirit, and preserve 
ray heart from straying one hair-breadth from 
thee to any created thing, from thee, my 
God, my all." 

" The day of my union with thee is at 
hand ; Lord, make me ready." 

^'If I perish, I will perish at his feet. I will 
hold him fast Though he should slay me, 
yet will I love him. My tongue shall never 
cease to praise him while I have a being.'' 

To her Lord. 

'* I am no longer your's; I am God's : 
God bless you, and make you entirely his." 
Last words. 

'' My Redeemer liveth : praise the Lord : 
Amen. — Thou hast promised meicy; thou 



328 DYING SAYINGS 

wilt not leave me : praise to the Lord : Amen, 
— Take me by the hand, O my Saviour, and 
lead me through the dark path unto the 
Father. O my God, leave me not. I know, 
O Christ, thou wilt not leave me. Thou 
never didst forsake a soul that was wholly 
given up to thee: praise to the Lord : Amen. 
Heavenly Father, into thy merciful hands I 
commend my spirit. Thou knowest that I 
have forsaken the world, and given my heart 
wholly unto thee. Come, and take posses- 
sion of it. All I had in the world, they are 
thine : I give them unto thee; do thou ac- 
cept of them. I trust only in thy mercy, 
and in the merits of my blessed Redeemer : 
praise to the Lord: Amen. — Come, Lord 
Jesus, and lead me to the Father. Heavenly 
Father, into thy merciful arms I commend 
my spirit. Amen." 



Rev, GEORGE SENDALL, [I.] London. Died, 
A. D. 1715—16. ^t. 51. 

^' O what large draughts of consolation 
shall I drink in glory!" 

^*^As for nie, I will behold thy face in 
righteousness; I shall be satisfied — yea, 
abundant — abundantly satisfied with thy 
likeness." 



OF ExMINENT CHRISTIANS. 329 

Rev. JOHN SERGEANT, B. A., of Yale College, 
Missionary to the Araerican Indians. Died, 
A. D. 1749. m. 39. 

'^ Death is no surprise to me. My ac- 
quaintance with the blessed world, to which 
I hope I am now hastening, through the 
mercy of God in Christ, is not now to com- 
mence. I can trust him in whom I have 
believed, and long ago placed my everlasting 
dependance upon.'" 

On being reminded of his ivork being done, 

'' I call myself a most unprofitable ser- 
vant, and say, God be merciful to me a 
sinner/* 



Rev. THOMAS SHEPHARD, Minister at EarVs 
Coin. Died, in New England, America, A. D. 
1649. ^t. 44. 

To those around him, 

'^ O love the Lord Jesus very dearly. That 
little part which I have in him is no small 
comfort to me now." 



Mrs. SHOVELLER, [P. B.] Wife of the Rev. John 
Shoveller, Poole, Dorset. 

To her hushandj on his arrival, she being on a visit at 
Portsea ivhen taken ill, 

'' My dear, I shall not return with you ; 
this affliction will carry me to my heavenly 



330 DYING SAYINGS 

home. I should like^ were it the will of 
God, to live a little longer with you, for we 
have spent many happy years together ; but 
I have no will of my own — the Lord's will 
be done. I have often enjoyed much secret 
and sweet communion with God in your 
study/' 

'^ I have no fears about dying, blessed be 
God; I have not my Rock to seek for now ; 
that would be miserable indeed. Real reli- 
gion is of the highest importance.*' 

To her xveeping friends, 

'* O why should you grieve ? ^for dying is 
but going home.* I am only going a little 
before; you will soon follow; and then we 
shall be all together again, never more to 
part." 

** * To be with God and taste his love, 
Is the full heaven enjoyed above.' " 

On hopes being expressed of her recover^/, 

'' I would rather go now, if it be the will 
of God ; 1 have a desire to depart and to be 
with Christ, which is far better; but should 
the Lord be pleased to raise me again, I hope 
it will be for his glory, and for the promo- 
tion of his blessed cause, otherwise I had 
rather die this very minute.'' 



OF E]MINENT CHRISTIANS. 331 

'' I have lived to see my prayers answered 
in both my children being called by grace, 
and my dear son moving in a sphere of use- 
fulness ; and now I can say^ ' Lord, now 
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace/ '' 



" Yea^ though 1 walk through the valley 
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 
for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff, 
they comfort me.'' 

Just before she died, 

'' Come, Lord Jesus ; come, take me to 
thyself/' 

Last words, under great pain» 
*' * Though painful at present, 'twill cease before long, 
And then, O how pleasant the conqueror's song!' " 



Rev. ROBERT SIMPSON, D. D., [I;] Resident 
Tutor of Hoxton College. Died, A. D. 1817. 
^t. 72. 

'^ I shall go to the gates of heaven as the 
poor^ wicked, ruined Robert Simpson^ saved 
by sovereign grace! When I begin to tell 
my tale^ all the harps of heaven will be 
silent; all the angels will be as still as 
statues — I am sure they will!" 

'*^0! I have been a mere loiterer; I might 
have done much more. If I could preach 



332 DYING SAYINGS 

once more, I would, if possible, make the 
cliffs of Dover ring witn the sound of salva- 
tion through the blood of the Lamb/' 

''I have been this day looking keenly into 
ray condition, and I cannot doubt for the life 
of me. Some men have an immodest way 
of talking of their experience and their as- 
surance : O, my soul, come not thou into 
their secret — yet, I cannot, I cannot doubt '* 

'' When I consider the infinite dignity and 
all-sufficiency of Christy I am ashamed to talk 
of venturing on him. O, had I ten thousand 
souls, I would, at this moment, cast them 
all into his hands with the utmost confi- 
dence/' 

'' Men may quibble as they please, and try 
to settle all the nice points in divinity; it is 
all a farce, unless there be an experimental 
acquaintance with them. The glorious truths 
of the gospel must be seen and felt, they must 
be received and incorporated with all the 
powers of the soul/' 

On the dai/ in which he died, 

'' O God, I once more pray for my poste- 
rity. Wilt thou not hear me ? Yes, I know 
thou wilt. Bless them — bless them — hless 
them! Wrap them up in the covenant of thy 
love. Hold them fast in thy embrace — mother 



^ 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 333 

and children. As for me^ I shall soon be- 
hold thy face in righteousness/' 

Under severe pains, 

' My soul disdains to yield. O my soul, 
oear up courageouslj^ whatever thy Lord is 
pleased to lay upon thee^ that God may be 
glorified/' 

**' I am willing to die the deatb of a thou- 
sand martyrs^ so that I might bear an ho- 
iourable testimony to the truth and faithful- 
ness of God/' 

On another occasion, 
'"' Now let my soul spring into life bound- 
less. — You shall be satisfied; yes^ my soul^ 
thou shall be satisfied — thou shalt be satisfied 
viih seeing and enjoying." 

^' O Death! where is thy sting ?~what 
art thou? — I am not afraid of thee,— Thou 
art a vanquished enemy through the blood 
ef the cross!" 



Rev. DAVID SOME, [I.] Market Harborough, 
Leicestershire. Died, A. D, 1737. Mi. 57. 

Dying words. 

' if any ask how David Some died, let it 
be answered, that he sought and found 
mercy/' 



334 DYING SAYINGS 



Rev. JAMES SOMERVILLE, [I.] Branton, Noi- 
thumberland. Died, A. D. 1807. iEt. 65. 

Dying testimony to his people, when he was very ill, speak- 
ing on justification by faith in the righteousness of 
Christ. 

'' This doctrine has afforded me consola- 
tion through all the stages of my life. I have 
preached it upwards of twenty years among 
you. If 1 were a young man, and had all 
my labours to begin again, I would still 
preach this as a leading doctrine of Chris- 
tianity. It may be I shall never address you 
more. Should this be the case, I leave this 
as my dying testimony to the truth of this 
doctrine; and on this righteousness I build 
all my hopes of salvation/' 



'' I love to preach. If the Lord please to 
restore me, I will be more diligent than ever, 
and more earnest in warning and exhorting 
every man, I see there is need of it.'' 

To some of his people who visited him, 

'' You must now strive to improve what 
you have heard from me these twenty years. 
In that time, I have said all I have to say; 
and am now so weak I can say no more." 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 



33i 



When dissuaded from kneeling at family wardship, being 
so weak, 

'''What were our knees made for, but to 
bow before God ? He is the best Being, 
and deserves the best worship we can per- 
form/' 



''The Rock on which I build for my 
salvation is the Rock of Ages." 

'' I have a good hope through grace/' 



Miss MARY STEVENSON, [T.] Daughter of the 
late Rev. R. StevensoD, of Castle Hedingham, 
Essex. Died, 1808. ^t. 24. 

*' I am very happy^ and quite resigned^ 
but this is not of myself. I have never be- 
fore spent a year so comfortably as the last, 
though it has been a year of great affliction. 
I have not a wish for any thing but the Lord's 
will ; and all my confidence is upon the only 
foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ. I go to 
him as a poor lost sinner, and he has pro- 
mised to cast out none that come to him.'' 

'^ I find such a sweet evidence that I am 
the Lord's, and am surprised that he should 
manifest himself in such a gracious manner 
to one so unworthy. Oh, what a support 
the blessed gospel is!'' 



336 DYING SAYINGS 

^' I do feel so happy that my mind is re- 
signed to the will of God that I have hardly 
any preference." 

^' Sometimes I wish for death ; but some- 
times I should like to continue in life. Not 
that I think I should be more happy." 

^'\ think it is natural for a young person, 
if it be the will of God^ to wish to live^ in 
order to live to his glory. It is a selfish 
wish to desire death merely to be happy, 
while there is any thing for me to do in life. 
If the Lord will condescend to make use of 
such a weak instrument, I am perfectly satis- 
fied in being in the hands of God ; and, if I 
return to health, I hope that 1 shall still feel 
perfectly resigned to his will/' 

To her mother, 

'' The Lord will not leave me ; no, he has 
said he will not, mama! How sweet are the 
promises ! • I am happy, O very happy, very 
happy indeed ! Had I foreseen this afflic- 
tion, I should never have thought that I 
should have been so supported. It is, to be 
sure, an awful thing to go into eternity; but^ 
oh, Jesus is there! He is gone before; 1 
shall not be alone." 

'^ ' See the kind angels at the gates. 
Inviting us to come; 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 337 

There Jesas the Forerunner waits, 
To welcome travellers home.' 

I have always admired this verse when I was 
a child. My hope is upon the Rock of Ages. 
It will be but a little time before we shall 
all meet again.** 

'' My hope is alone upon Christ, the Rock 
of Ages, and I know he will not deceive me.'* 

On her sister handing her breakfast to her in bed, 

'' Oh, I love the soul that must and will 
do good ; the kind creature that runs to the 
sick bed — I might rather say bedstead — of a 
poor neighbour, wipes away the moisture of 
a fever, smooths the clothes, beats up the 
pillow, fills the pitcher, sets it within reach, 
and administers only a cup of cold water. 
Peace be with that good soul! She also 
must come in due time into the condition of 
her neighbour, and then, may ^the Lord 
strengthen her upon the bed of languishing,' 
and by some kind hand, like her own, make 
all her bed in her sickness/' 

'' My affliction is a light affliction/' 

LADY MARGARET STEWART, Wife of Sir 
Thomas Stewart, of Coltness. Died about A. D. 
1684. Mi. 37. 

To her husband. 

'' I desire not to live, but pray that I die 

Q 



338 DYING SAYINGS 

not in darkness as to my soul's interest. The 
Lord hath often heard you for deliverance 
to me when I have been past all hope^ and 
has given me to you now. I beg that the 
Lord would be with me, by his power and 
grace, through this sickness; and if he 
should leave me in this cloud, yet I will not 
doubt the reality of many gracious manifesta- 
tions of him that I have had, and how that 
often he hath made me sincerely to resign 
and give up myself heartily to him; and 
now at this time I dare not, nor will not, 
deny his gracious work. But O wrestle 
with God for me, that I die not in darkness'/' 
^*^ The devil is busy with me, saying, 
thou art nothing but an hypocrite, and art 
formal in all thou doest. But the Lord 
knows my sincerity, which I hope he hath 
accepted/* 

'' O for assurance, if God would grant it 
to a poor sinner, that is longing and crying 
for it, and looking to him for it." 

^"^Lord, thou knowest, whom have I in 
heaven but thee, or on earth that I desire 
besides thee? O that I were with thee, 
where I shall not sin or doubt any more, 
where the weary are at rest.*' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 339 

'^ Lord^ thou who didst appear so won- 
derfully to my son, being but ten years of 
age, to the admiration of all that saw or 
heard him, and were witnesses of his death; 
Lord, appear to me. Oh, it is true, he was 
but a child, who knew not what sin was, 
nor could sin as I have done, who am thirty- 
seven years old; but. Lord, upon whom thou 
settest thy love, sin will be no stop in the 
way/' 

To her husband. 

^^ My dear, you will be surprised: quit 
me, for I have quitted you, and all my chil- 
dren, and all the world ; I long to be with 
him/' 



'' Now, O Lord, I come unto thee. Thou 
knowest that in my health I sought thee, 
though with great weakness, yet, with a 
sincere heart; and how often have I given 
myself up unto thee with my soul and heart; 
and Lhave nothing to look to in myself but 
to thy free grace. O free, free love, 1 look 
to this for mercy. I look to thy righteous- 
ness, that imputed righteousness, 1 look to 
that satisfaction offered at Jerusalem for 
sinners; thy blood cried far better things 
than that of Abel. O blessed imputed 

Q 3 



340 DYING SAYINGS 

righteousness! O blessed satisfaction! — 
I renounce my own righteousness : Lord, I 
come unto thee : thou hast said, • Him that 
cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.' 
O free love! Though one might dare to die 
for a righteous man, yet our Lord died for 
his enemies. O wonderful love! Lord, thou 
knowest all things, th u knowest that I love 
thee: I must not quit my hold of thee." 

'' Lord, thou hast given me twelve child- 
ren, and the third I gave unto thee, and thou 
tookesthim; and my seventh child I gave 
unto thee^ and thou tookest him and his sis- 
ter also; and this my twelfth child I have 
given unto the Lord; the Lord bless him; 
yea, and all my children I have given unto 
the Lord as soon as they were born, and 
long before they were born ; and I have de- 
sired from the Lord for them these two 
things only, that they may fear him, and that 
he may put his image on them. I never sought 
riches nor honour unto them, but that the 
Lord would in his good Providence dispose 
them to employments and callings, whereby 
they may live honestly, and not be burden- 
some to friends."' 

On her last day, 

'^ Sirs^ can ye believe this that I am to tell 
you ? This night I shall be with my son 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 341 

John. What is this I am saying of my son! 
I will be this night with my God and my 
Lord Jesus Christ, and that holy and glo- 
rious company/' 

On being urged to sleep on that day. 

^' Shall I sleep now, when I am going to 
die! I assure you, if I fall asleep, I shall 
never come out of it again." 

'^ Would you hinder me to speak now, 
when I have not above an hour to speak in 
this world.'* 

''Sirs, I tell you that this night, when 
your sun goes down, my suh will arise and 
never go down : your sun will both arise and 
set upon you, but my sun will never go 
down! O bright morning star!" 

To her children, 

''Though you have not fallen into out- 
ward pollutions, yet that is nothing: let him 
that stands, take heed lest he fall. I say to 
you before the Lord, your sins, God shall set 
them in order before you ; yea, you shall see 
them in the great day of the Lord as clearly 
set before you as the light shines." 

"As for learning and philosophy, fear lest 
it have the effect on you it hath on some, tc 
turn you Atheists, or without religion. All 



342 DYING SAYINGS 

the greatness^ all the learning in the world, 
what is it without grace ? Remember that 
word^ ^ Not many noble, not many mighty, 
not many wise are called/ I say not this to 
discourage you from reading and learning; 
but let it not make you neglect your duty. 
And I lay it upon you, and charge you be- 
fore God, and as you would meet me again 
with comfort, be diligent in reading the 
scriptures and prayer. And satisfy not your- 
selves with your morning and evening prayers; 
but I charge you in the sight and presence 
of God, not to judge your religion to be true 
and sincere, if it carry you no farther than 
morning and evening prayers. In all these 
things, I say to you, that I shall be a witness 
against you. Look not on these things, and 
what I say now, as upon instructions and re- 
proofs given at another time. The words that I 
have spoken, are the words of a dying mother. 
I pray the Lord ye may never forget them ; 
which if ye observe and do, God's blessing 
be upon you, and my blessing I leave you. 
I have good thoughts concerning you." 

To her inother and sisters, 

'^ Now I entreat you be kind to one ano- 
ther, tender-hearted, forgiving one another; 
and be of one mind, and live in peace, and 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 343 

the God of love and peace shall be with 
you/' 

'' I have many times sought the Lord that 
death might be no surprise to me, and neither 
is it ; and I have prayed likewise that death 
might not be a terror to me, and neither i» 
it; and I have sought that I may not be 
terrible to others in dying/' 

Tq her father'in-lai&, 

'' You have been a very kind father unto 
me ; I say, a very kind, affectionate father 
unto me : I cannot say any more, but the 
Lord requite you// 

To a friend — a message to her two daughters, 

'^ Sir, you will tell my two girls, that I re- 
membered them, that they should diligently 
seek and serve the Lord, and make conscience 
of reading the scriptures; and the Lord^s 
blessing be upon them. '' 

To the young man that waited on the children, 

'^ You have a great charge upon you now, 
both of the souls and bodies of the children* 
for my husband will be taken up with his 
affairs, and I fear will not be long behind 
me/^ 

To her husbands 

'' 1 have nothing now to do but one thing. 
You have been a dear husband to me, but I 



344 DYING SAYINGS 

am going to a dearer. I entreat you, weep 
not for me; I shall be better. And now 
resign my soul unto God." 

'' My dear^ resign my soul to God : you 
must do it^ and quit me, for I have resigned 
my soul to God already. I had it from God, 
and I have given it back again to him/' 

Last words. 

'' O feeling High Priest ! keep that which 
I have committed to thee.'* 



Rev. G. STONEHOUSE, [P. B.] Cranbrook, 
Kent. Died, A. D. 1813. JEt. 63. 

'' 1 have no more fear of dying, than of 
going to bed/' 

'^The doctrines of grace can support a 
soul in the nearest prospect of death." 

When asked if he enjoyed consolation. 

^^ What do you mean by consolation ? If 
by it you mean a transporting frame of mind, 
1 have it not; but if by it you mean a solid 
peace, springing from the atoning blood of 
Jesus, that 1 do possess, a peace which pass- 
eth all understanding. It is absurd to sup- 
pose that my frames or feelings can alter the 
purposes or promises of Jehovah.*' 

'' Precious faith^, precious promises, pre- 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 345 

cious blood ! 1 have tried them over and 
over again^ and they have never failed me 
yet, nor ever VilL*' 

'' I do not find any transporting joys ; but 
blessed be God^ I shall never lose my hope 
till it be lost in enjoyment. My entire ex- 
pectation of future happiness arises from the 
merits of Christ. I love his person and his 
work." 

Last words, 

'' Happy in Christ." 



Mrs. TALBOT, Wife of the Rer. William Talbot, 
Rector of St. Giles's, Reading. Died, A. D. 
17^^5. iEl. 60. 

'' This Jesus is all in all/* 

''I feel as though all behind my head 
were darkness and sorrow; and all before 
my face light and gladness." 

On the Saturday night before her death. 
'' No more sabbaths to be enjoyed by me 
on earth ; but^ oh that blessed sabbath of 
rest above!" 

" * Other refuge have I none^ 
Hangs my helpless soul on thee.' " 

'' Shall those gates of pearl be opened to 
unworthy rae? And shall I obtain that 

«3 



346 DYING SAYINGS 

crown of righteousness, laid up for all those 
that love the appearing of my dear Lord!'* 

'' Jesus is my all/' 

^^O sweet death r* 

To some friends, 
'' God bless you all/* 

To her faithful servants. 

*'God bless you, my dear children!" 

Last words. 
'^ Pray — pray — pray ! — Shepherd and 
Guide!*' 



Rev. Mr. TANNER, [I.] Exeter. Died, A. D. 
1805. iEt. 86. 

'' Let this be my funeral text, ' I have 
fought a good fight/ &c.'' 

''' Death is but the porter who opens the 
door to my mansion ; and shall I be angry 
with the porter ? Death! — it is not dying 
—it is only falling asleep in Jesus. As our 
Lord was separated from his disciples by a 
cloud, so it is only a cloud that separates me 
from Jesus^ and that cloud is death/* 

'''There is deliverance for me/' 

** * Dearest of all the names above, 
My Saviour and my God, 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 347 

Who can resist thy heavenly love. 
Or trifle with tliy blood ? 

Tis by the merit of has death 

The Father smiles again, 
Tis by his interceding breath 

The Spirit dwells with men.' " 



Miss JANE TAYLOR, [I.] one of the Authors of 
** Original Poems,'' *' Hymns for Infant Minds,'* 

&c. 

'' Though I walk through the valley of 
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for 
thou art with nie: thy rod and thy staff they 
comfort me/' 

** * Jesus, to thy dear faithful hand 

My naked soul I trust; 
And my flesh waits for thy command 

To drop into the dust.' 

* Jesus, to thee my naked soul — 
My naked soul I trust.' " 



Rev. Dr. ROWLAND TAYLOR, Rector of 
Hadley, Suffolk. Martyred at Hadley, Suffolk, 
A. D. 1555. 

On approaching the place of his execution. 

^^ God be praised^ I am now almost at 
kome^ and have not more than two stiles to 
go over^ before I am at my Fatjiier's house. '^ 



348 DYING SAYINGS 

When near the slake. 

'' Thanks be to God, I am even at home." 

To the people. 
'' I have preached the gospel, and am even 
to seal the truth of it with my blood/' 

Last words. 

'^O merciful Father of heaven, for Jesus 
Christ's sake, my Saviour, receive my soul 
into thy hands." 



J t 



Br. THOMAS TAYLOR, of Aldermanburv 
London, Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, 
&c. Died, A. D. 1632. 

"^^ Oh, we serve a good Lord, who covers 
all imperfections, and gives great wages for 
little work; and in mercy he hath provided 
for me som^ of the greatest." 



Rev. AUGUSTUS MONTAGUE TOPLADF, 
Vicar of Broad Flembury, Devon, A. B. Died, 
A. D. 1778. iEt. 38. 

On some friends naming the loss the church would 
sustain by his death. 

^^What! by my death? No. By my 
death? No. Jesus Christ is able, and will 
by proper instruments defend his own truths. 
And, with regard to what little I have been 
enabled to do in this way, not to me, not to 



OP EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 349 

me, but to his name, and to that only, be 
the glorj!" 

On the doctors mentioning his weak pulse, 
'' Why that is a good sign that my death 
is fast approaching ; and, blessed be God, I 
can add, that my heart beats every day stronger 
and stronger for glory." 

'' Those great and glorious truths which 
the Lord, in rich mercy, hath given me to 
believe, and which he hath enabled me 
(though very feebly) to defend, are not ^dry 
doctrines," or mere speculative points. — No 
— but being brought into practical and 
heart- felt experience, they are the very joy 
and support of my soul." 

On its being reported that he had recanted his principles. 

'^ I recant my former principles! God 
forbid that I should be so vile an apostate! 
— and yet that apostate I should soon be, if 
I were left to myself." 

'' Sickness is no affliction; pain no curse; 
death itself no dissolution." 

*^ O, how this soul of mine longs to be 
gone! Like a bird imprisoned in a cage, it 
longs to take its flight, O that I had wings 
like a dove, then would I flee away to the 
realms of bliss, and be at rest for ever T' 



350 DYING SAYINGS 

'' O what delights ! Who can fathom the 
joys of the third heaven?'' 

'' The sky is clear ; there is no cloud : 
come. Lord Jesus, come quickly." 

During his last hour. 

''\l will not be long before God takes me; 
for no mortal can live after the glories which 
God hath manifested to my soul." 



Rev. JOHN TOWNSEND, [I.] Bermondsey, 
near London. Died, A. D. 1826. MU 69. 

Resting his arm on his bible. 

^*^ Here I am safe; I know it is a finished 
righteousness." 

'^ The promises contained in this book are 
my sheet anchor." 

** ' My sufferings are not worth a thought, 
When, Lord, compared with thine.' " 

Under extreme pain. 

'^ Human nature cannot bear this long — 
what must have been the sufferings of the 
martyrs at the stake ! What must have been 
the Saviour's agony, when, in the prospect 
of death, he cried out. Father^ if it be possi^ 
ble, let this enp pass from me : nevertheless ^ 
not my willy but thine be do/i^/— rWhat are 
my sufferings compared to the Saviour's in 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 351 

the garden, when be sweat, as it were, great 
drops of blood ? Father of mercies! hear 
my poor pra3^er, if not to relieve, help me to 
bear and suffer."* 

'' It is the hand of the Lord ; I desire to 
bow with submission ; this suffering is all 
necessary to loosen my strong attachment to 
my beloved family/' 

On the promises being named to him by a candidate for 
the ministry, 

^'Yes, they are my support; indeed, I 
find them to be yea and amen in Christ Je- 
sus. I have no extatic joy: but I have a 
sure hope and peace in God." 

On one reminding him of his reward. 
'' I have done little for God; I wish I had 
done more." 

On the same speaking of instances of usefulness under 
his ininistry, 

''Yes, 1 thank God, I have met with 
many such instances; and when I look at 
my own unworthiness, and the talents I pos- 
sessed as a minister of Christ, I am inclined 
to wonder that I have been made an instru- 
ment of so much good. This is a plain proof 
that it is not the most eloquent address, or 
the greatest talents, which render the word 



332 DYING SAYINGS 

of God most successful. Not by mighty nor 
by poiver^ but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. 
Remember, from the lips of a dying man 
you are charged to preach the gospel of our 
Lord and Saviour.'' 

On another mentioning the promised crown. 
/'It is well for me that it is a blood-bought 
crown, or I could never expect to wear it." 

On his being dissuaded by one of his family from going 
to give a farewell at the Lord^s table, 

'^ I might, my dear, just go in and say, — 
'Little' children, love oiie another.' " 

To a cast-down relative. 
''You must be still, and remember it is 
the will of the Lord/' 

To a minister, 

" As a minister of Christ, let usefulness be 
your continual aim.*' 

To his partner in life. 

" You have made an idol of me, and God 
is taking me from you ; but you must look 
up ; God will take care of you." 



Rev. WILLIAM TURNBULL, [P. B.] near 
Edinburgh. Died, A. D. 1823. ^Et. 28. 

Prayers uttered alone, but overheard by attendants, 

'^O Lord, have mercy upon me in my 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS 353 

present weak and helpless condition. Let 
my passage to heaven be mitigated, and may 
I not be so pained, if it be thy holy will. I 
am a poor, weak, helpless creature; but I 
commit myself to thee, O Lord. All the 
days of my appointed time will I wait — O 
Lord, if it be thy holy will, may I be trans- 
lated this evening from this wicked world to 
thine eternal kingdom where there is no sor- 
row, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen/* 

'' Father of mercies, have mercy on me, a 
poor, weak, helpless creature, and grant that 
my faith may not fail; but if it be thy will, 
take me to thyself this night. O Lord, be 
with me, and grant that thy praise may be 
continually in my mouth. Bless my father, 
and my mother, and my brethren, and all that 
are present, and all that are absent ; bless us 
for Jesus sake, Amen and Amen." 
Tke day before he died. 

'' O Lord, thou art the Maker and Go- 
vernor of the minds of all the children of 
men; thou art the one living and true God. 
May I cleave to this truth, that there is one 
God and one Mediator between God and 
man, the man Jesus Christ our Saviour. Let 
not, O Lord, I beseech thee^ my foolish 
heart depart from thee in all my reveries, for 
Jesus' sake. Amen." 



354 DYING SAYINGS 

JOHN TYLSTON, M. D., Son-in-law of the Rev. 
Philip Henry. Died, A. D. 1G69. .Et. 36. 

'' What we will we think is best ; but what 
God wills we are sure is best.'* 

^^I trust to his [God's] infinite mercy, 
and the all-sufficient merits and mediation 
of the Lord Jesus/' 

^^1 must not forget the church of God. 
Though it be a time of trouble in many 
places, yet those that are gone before, died 
believing that great things will be done for 
the church in the latter days, and so do I. 
Lord, do good in thy good pleasure unto 
Zionr* 

"^^Oh! the glorious mansions in our Fa- 
ther's house, and glorious inhabitants in 
those mansions — pleasures for evermore." 
'^ 1 know in whom I have trusted, and that 
he is able to keep that which I have com- 
mitted to him.'* 



Dr. JAMES USHER, Archbishop of Armagh, 
Died, A. D. 1655. 

last words. 

'^'Lord, in special forgive my sins of 
omission/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 355 

Rev. JOHN VERNON, [P. B.] Down End, 
near Bristol. Died, A. D. 1814. Mi. 29. 

'' All things are mine, whether life or 
death, or things present,, or thing to come ; 
yea, all things are mine, for I am Christ's, 
and Christ is God's.'* 

^^It is all safe: I feel quite firm; my 
footing is on a rock. I know in whom I 
have believed." 

" * There shall we see hjs face, 
And never never sin.' '' 

'^ It is all grace! all grace! free grace!" 
^' O what a moment, when the grand fa- 
brick of redemption is completed, and the 
top stone is brought with shoutings! Grace, 
grace, all grace.'' 

To one of his flock, 

'' Hold on, looking unto Jesus!" 

To another on the state of his mind. 
''It exceeds every ideal had formed; I 
have no rapture, but uniform peace; not a 
cloud; I long to be gone." 

" * O that the happy hour were come — 
That faith were changed to sight! 

I should enjoy my Lord at home 
With infinite delight.' " 



356 DYING SAYINGS 

'• * Grace taught my roving feet 

To tread the heavenly road ; 
And new supplies each hour I meet, 

While pressing on to God.' *' 

/' 1 long to speak and tell you the happi- 
ness I feel, which is greater than I give you 
an idea of/' 

'^ Though I am thus favoured, without 
one cloud of doubt, yet I feel myself the 
same sinful being as ever, and should be 
equally undeserving the happiness in store 
for me, were I to live fifty years from this 
time wholly conformed to the will of God!' 

''It is all grace — free grace." 

On one speaking of his receiving his wages for his 
work, 

'^ Wages ! wages! but mark — the gift of 

God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our 

Lord/' 

On the doctor speaking of approaching death. 
^'Is this dying? Am I, do you think, 
dying? Am I in the valley? If this is the 
valley, there is no darkness over any part of 
it: none at all.'" 

On one observing that he was much agitated. 
'^Agitated! agitated! what odd words 
you use ! I have no such word in my book. 
I call this good dying.*' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 357 

On the sun shining into his room, 
'' Oh ! I shall see a brighter sun to-mor- 
row — then I shall see the Sun of Righteous- 
ness!" 

On hearing himself praised. 
'^ Oh ! do not talk about the creature ; the 
difference between human character is so 
small; talk of grace and mercy'/' 



'''This is not much like dying; the Lord 
has dealt very graciously with me.*' 

'' It is very different from what I expected. 
I expected it would have been a dark pas- 
sage, but it is all light : I am passing 
through the valley, but Christ is with rae.'^ 

*'I expected, at this hour, my sins might 
have risen up against me, or the enemy have 
been let loose upon me; but it is all light — 
not one cloud. I have peace. It is all of 
grace, free grace.'^ 

On speaking of heaven. 
'' It will be all one song there. 

* With joy they sink to nothing there. 
Before the Eternal All.' " 

To one of his flock. 
'' Farewell : count all things loss for the 
excellency of the knowledge of Christ." 



358 DYING SAYINGS 

To a young friend, 
^*Oh! it is pleasant dying ; Christ being 
present with me, the bitterness of death is 
past. What a privilege to be brought to 
know and trust the Saviour. Cleave to him, 
he will not disappoint you. You nnay be in 
this happy situation soon. Oh! if he does 
such things for us now, what will be do 
hereafter?'' 

On one remarking he shouldnot he impatient to be gone. 

^' Is it, then, a sin to wish to be where 
there is no sin ?'' 

*' * O glorious hour! O blest abode! 
I shall be near and like my God!' " 



*' * Now while I hear my heart strings break, 

How soft my minutes roll, 
A mortal paleness on my cheek, 

But glory in my soul.' '' 



^''O what a scene! what a scene! I shall 
be with Jesus! and I shall be like him ! I 
am fallen into the hands of him who is the 
way, the truth, and the life. All joy, all 
one song, for ever." 

^^ O that the happy hour were come V 
^'1 have fought the good fight — I have 
fought the good fight; I have finished my 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 359 

course; I have kept the faith: henceforth 
there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- 
ness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, 
shall give me at that day, and not to me only, 
but to them also who love his appearing. I 
long to depart '' 

'' Oh ! what a sun shall I see to-morrow 
— the glorious Sun of Righteousness!'' 
Last words. 

'^ Lord Jesus, come/' 



Rev. THOMAS WADSWORTH, M. A. [Ejected 
IVliiiister,] London. Died, A. D. 1676. Mu 46. 

'' I am in an agony, but not a bloody one ; 
what are all my pains to what Christ under- 
went for me!" 

'' When I was in pain, God supported me; 
and now I stand amazed to consider how I 
got through." 

'' I bless the Lord I have no cloud upon 
my spirit." 

'' I have been under a very sharp rod, but 
it was what my heavenly Father laid upon 
me ; for he has said. As many as I love^ I 
rebuke and chasten. That is a paradox to 
the world ; but everlasting arms are under- 
neath me, and I bless God, he hath taken all 
the terror of death quite away from me." 



360 DYING SAYINGS 

^^ All my righteousness I disowiiy and I 
trust only in Christ, and hope 1 have a gos- 
pel righteousness." 

^'I have served God in sincerity, and can 
truly say, I have believed, and therefore have 
I spoken/' 

To his friends who pitied him, 

'' The heart knoweth his own bitterness, 
and a stranger intermeddleth not with his 
joy. You know what my pains are, but you 
know not what my consolations are. O how 
sweet will my glory and triumph be after 
these sharp pains. — One minute in heaven 
will make amends for all this pain.** 

To weeping relatives, 

'' What ! are you troubled that God is 
calling home his children? If you think 
that I am afraid of death, you are mistaken ; 
for 1 have no fear of death upon me." 



Rev. ALEXANDER WAUGH, D. D. Died, 
A. D. 1827. .^t. 74. 

'' I am thankful for the remedy provided ; 
I am thankful for the word of truth ; I have 
endeavoured to live as near the rule as I 
could : I cannot say that I have experienced 
the assurance and close communion with God 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 361 

that Others have arrived at; but I have lived 
by faith^ and I now die in the faith of the 
Son of God. The blood of Jesus Christ! 
this is the only staflf I want on my way to the 
grave.'' 

To his sons, 
^^ Be much in your closet. With regard^ 
however^ to your communion with God^ I 
wish to tell you that I have never liked to 
speak much of this in company^ and that for 
two reasons: — if your communion has been 
very profitable^ the world will put down all 
that you say to vanity^ and will think that you 
wish to make yourself as great a man as 
Martin Luther or John Brown : and if 
you tell people all that passes between you 
and your God^ the world will then look to 
your conduct for a pattern of what Christi- 
anity is, — and this^ you know, will never do; 
for, after all that you can do^ you have done 
nothing to justify you in the sight of God. 
You might as well buy the dudds and old 
clothes sold by the Jews in the streets, and 
stand in them before the King of Great Bri- 
tain, as presume to be clothed in your own 
righteousness.'' 



R 



36^2 DYING SAYINGS 

Rev. Sir H. MONCRIEFF WELLWOOD, 
Bart., D. D., [P.] one of the Ministers of St. 
Cuthbert's, Edinburgh. Died, A. D. 1827, at a 
very advanced age. 

A few days before his death, 

^^Lord^ sanctify me more and more — fill 
me w^ith all joy in believing^ that I may 
abound in hope, through the power of the 
Holy Ghost — guide me by thy counsel while 
I am here, and afterwards receive me into 
glory/^ 

To a minister going to officiate in his church, 

^^ I delight to preach — but I shall never 
preach there any more — I shall never speak 

a word to that people again 1 could 

go over the whole earth to preach the doc- 
trine of salvation by the cross of Christ/' 



Rev. JOHN WESLEY, A. M. Died, A. D. 
1791. .Et. 88. 

** ' Till glad I lay this body down, 

Thy servant, Lord, attend; 
And, O ! my life of mercy crown 

With a triumphant end !' " 

^^ When at Bristol my words were [refer- 
ring to an illness there] — 

' I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me.' " 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 363 

'' There is no way into the holiest but by 
the blood of Jesus.'* 
^^ God is with us/' 

Singing, 
** ^ ril praise my Maker while IVe breath, 
And when my voice is lost in deaths 

Praise shall employ my nobler powers: 
My days of praise shuU ne'er be past 
While life and thouglit and being last, 

Or immortality endures.* '' 

^^The best of all is God is with us.'' 
^a'll praise— ril praise." 

Last words » 
'' Farewell." 



Rev. JEREMY WHITAKER, Minister of St. 
Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, and one of the 
Assembly of Divines at Westminster. Died, 
A. D. 1654, ^t. 55. 

^^ The bush always burnings but not coii'- 
suraed. Though my pains be too great foi: 
the strength of nature^ they are not too grea^t 
for the support of grace!" 



^^ O my God^ help! Father of mercies^ 
pity ! Do m>t contend for ever. Consider 
my frame, that lam but dust. My God, 
who made heaven and earth, help me. Ob, 

r2 



364 DYING SAYINGS 

give me patience, and inflict what thou wilt. 
If my patience were greater, my pain would 
be less. Dear Saviour^ where are thy bow- 
els ? Why dost thou make me an astonish- 
ment to myself and others ? Why hast thou 
covered thyself with a thick cloud, that our 
prayers should not pass through? Blessed 
is the man that endureth temptation. Lord, 
this is a sad temptation : stand by me and 
say. It is enough. Am I not thy servant? 
Consider, Lord, that I am thy servant. O, 
these waters of Marah! Lord, drop sw^et 
comfort into these bitter waters ! O the 
blood of sprinkling! Lord, the blood of 
sprinkling! Lord, that blood which ex- 
tinguisheth the fire of thine anger! O that 
it may allay my burning pains! I am in a 
fiery furnace. Lord, be with me as thou 
wert with the three children, and bring me 
out refined from sin! When, while sailing 
through the ocean of these pains, 1 look 
back, I see that none of them can be want- 
ing. I flee to thee, O God : hide me under 
the shadow of thy wings, till these terrible 
storms be overpast/' 

*^^I am a poor worm, a sinful wretch. O 
pardon my transgressions, for they are very 
great!" 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 365 

'' Consider and save; for I am thine. How 
long, how long^ Lord, shall I not be remem- 
bered? But I am remembered, blessed be 
thy name. This is a fiery chariot, but it will 
carry me to heaven. Blessed be God, who 
hath supported me hitherto. And he who 
hath delivered will yet deliver. Thou, Lord, 
never forgettest them who put their trust in 
thee.^' 

Under severe pains, 

'[ Now, in the strength of the mighty God, 
I will undergo them. O, my God, under- 
neath put everlasting arms-, and strengthen 
me/' 

'' O, my God, break open the prison doors, 
and let my poor captive soul go free. But 
enable me to wait willingly thy time — I de- 
sire to be dissolved. — Never was any man 
more desirous of life than I am of death. — 
When will that time come when I shall nei- 
ther sin nor sorrow any more ? — When shall 
mortality put on immortality? — Vv'hen shall 
this earthly tabernacle be dissolved, that I 
may be clothed upon with that house which 
is from heaven ? — Blessed are the dead which 
die in the Lord, for they rest from their la- 
bours; and follow the Lamb whithersoever 
he goeth. — Good Lord, keep me from dis- 



366 DYING SAYINGS 

honouring thy name by impatience. — Oh, 
who that knows God, would not, even in 
the fires, have honourable thoughts of him? 
— Who that knows thee would not fear thee, 
O Lord, and love and honour thee continu- 
ally ? — Lord, thou givest me no occasion to 
entertain hard thoughts of thee. — Blessed be 
Godj there is nothing of hell in all this. — 
Blessed be his name for Jesus Christ and the 
revelation of the everlasting gospel. — Who 
knoweth the power of thine anger? — If it 
be so heavy on thy servants here, how heavy 
will thy wrath be on all those who shall en- 
dure it without mixture hereafter ? — Blessed 
be God for the peace of my inward man, 
while my outward man is full of trouble. — 
This is a bitter cup, but it is my Father's 
mixing; and shall 1 not drink it? Yes, 
Lord, through thy strength I will. This is 
my burden, and I will bear it. O, what a 
mercy it is, that there is any mitigation, any 
intermission? Lord, make me thankful!'' 

To those about him. 

''O help me to be thankful! — O lift up a 
prayer for me, that I may be thankful I O 
what a mercy is this ! How much worse 
might this affliction have been! I might 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 367 

have been distracted, or laid roaring under 
anguishing of spirit/' 

To a bosom friend, 
'' Brother, through mercy, I have not one 
repining thought against God." 

To a friend about to pray by him, 

'' Do not complain, but bless God for me, 
and intreat him to open the prison door!'' 



Rev. WILLLAM WHITAKER, Professor of 
Divinity, of Queen's College, Cambridge. Died, 
A. D. 1593, ^t. 47. 

'' O Lord my God, though thou killest 
me, yet, I am sure with these eyes I shall see 
thee; for in thee do I hope/' 

'' O happy night ! I have not taken so 
sweet a sleep since ray disease fell upon me.'" 

'' Life or death is welcome to me, which 
God pleaseth ; for death shall be an advan- 
tage to me. I desire not to live, but only so 
far as I may do God and his church service/' 



Rev. JOSEPH WILKINS, [I.] Weymouth. 
Died, A. D. 1800. ^t. 70. 

'' Death is no more to me than going out 
of one room into another; I am ready to de- 



368 DYING SAYINGS 

part and be with Christ, which is far better 
than remaining in this sinful world. 

* A guilty, weak, and helpless worm. 

On thy kind arms I fall; 
Be thou my strength and righteousness, 

My Jesus and my all!" 



Rev. ELLIS WILLIAMS, Curate of Clayhidon, 
Devon. Died, A. D. 1790. ^t. 52. 

Remarkable words several times repeated in his last 
sermon, the sabbath before he uas taken ill, which 
may be called his dying pulpit testimony. 

'' My dear people, this may be the last 
time that we shall ever meet on earth ; for- 
give my warmth, my heart loves you. God 
knows how sincerely I desire your salvation 
and your advancement in holiness. I know 
not how to part with you. Oh, remember 
the Redeemer! — remember him : — he is the 
glory of heaven : — all its beauties centre in 
him.'^ 

To a farmer ofhisjlock icho visited him, 

^^Ah, Mr. B., I am glad to see you here; 
this is heaven upon earth. I die in this way, 
only by believing that gospel which I have 
preached to you nine years ; so happily will 
you all die, if you believe what I have 
preached to you/' 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS, 369 

Rev. JOHN WILLOUGHBY, [I.] Pickering, 
Yorkshire. Died, A. D. 1812. Mt. 51. 

To a brother minister. 
'' Oh;, my dear brother, work while it is 
day; yoii have health and vigour and spirits 
— work while you have thetn. I am as a 
broken vessel, of no use. Labour with dili- 
gence and with perseverance in the cause of 
Christ for time is short!'' 



'' I never thought it possible till now, that 
any sinful creature could experience such a 
heaven upon earth as I do.' 



'^ Whatever imperfections you have beheld 
in my spirit and conduct, do not attribute 
them to religion — or to the doctrines which 
1 have preached, but to m-y corrupt nature." 

After groaning with pain, 
'' Don t think these are the groans of fear ; 
but rather, as the Apostle says, 'groaning, 
being burdened with sin and death.' " 



'' What am I — a poor, wretched, sinful 
creature, that thou hast done such great 
things for my soul?" 

*^ I am a poor, weak, helpless, sinful worm 
in myself— \w Christ Jesus without a spot!" 

r3 



370 



DYING SAYINGS 



On tailing some cold water. 
'' ' When the poor and the needy seek water 
and there is none^ and their tongue faileth 
for thirsty I the Lord will hear them, I the 
God of Israel will not forsake them.' Bless- 
ed be God, it is so ; I know it, I feel it!'' 



'' O how I love him! [Christ.] I deeply 
lament that I have done so little for him who 
hath done such great things for me ; — if I 
had a thousand crowns, I would place them 
all on his head." 



'' Blessed Jesus ! I will hold fast the hem 
of thy garment, and will not let thee go." 

'' If this be dying, let us die daily; death 
is a conquered enemy, or rather a welcome 
messenger.'' 

Raising his arms. 
'' I could clap these glad wings, and fly 
away to the regions of sacred bliss ; but my 
time is not yet come: blessed be God, it will 
come, and then you cannot stop me." 

** ' Give me the wings of faith to rise 

Within the veil, aiid see 
The saints above, how great their joys, 

How bright theii' .; ries be.' " 



» V 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 371 

" * Jesus, at thy command, 

I launch into the deep. 
And leave my native land, 
Where sin lulls all to sleep: 
For ihee I would the world resign, 
And sail to heaven with thee and thine.' " 



^'I am very weak — I have an almighty 
arm^ and that arm is mine.'' 



Captain JAMES WILSON, Commander of the 
Missionary Ship, DufF, on her first voyage to the 
South Sea Islands. Died, A. D. 1814. ^t. 54. 

** * Safe lodged my fruits, at eventide I rest; 
My work near done, I lean on Jesus' breast. 
Wait without fear, death's winter drawing nigh, 
Preparing for my mansion in the sky.* '' 

*'^What a different body will this be in 
the morning of the resurrection, if I am 
found in Christ! I hope I shall be enabled 
to wait with patience till mj change come. 
I am not afraid to trust my all in the hands 
of the despised Nazarine!" 

On a relation expressing a hope of his recovery. 

'^ My hope is beyond Jordan!'" 

" ' Triumphant now from sin and death, 

From law and curse secure; 
Peaceful I }ield my parting breath 

And know jny heaven is sure!"' 



372 DYING SAYINGS 

To his pastor on calling on him after an absence in the 
counti-y. 

^'\ had hoped to have obtained my re- 
lease ere this^ but the messenger still delays. 
I desire to say, the will of the Lord be done 
— ^but I request jou will pray for a speedy 
dismission/' 

A message sent to a young friend in ike country, 
'^ Charge him to store his memory with 
the scriptures^ to begin immediately, for now 
is the time to set about it. Had I begun at 
his age, I should now have been able to re- 
cite that blessed book from beginning to 
ewAr 

To one of his children , the sabbath before his de- 
parhire. 

^'^My dear child^ I thought I should not 
have seen you again — I expected this would 
have been the first sabbath I should have 
spent in eternity^ but God's time is best/' 

0?i being asked if he was comfortable, 
^'^Yes, and if I had but my tongue^ I would 
let you all know how happy I am; I am 
looking for that blessed hope, and the glo- 
rious appearing of the great God my Sa- 
viour/' 

'' Here I am waiting for my change — what 



OF ExMINENT CHRISTIANS. 373 

a mercy! If I were a heathen I could not 
wait so." 

'' Lord^ now lettest thou thy servant de- 
part in peace, for I trust mine eyes have 
seen thy salvation/' 

When near his dismission. 
*' * My fluttering pulse and fault'riiig breath, 
Announce the near approach of death; 
How can T meet, dear Saviour, sav, 
Tiie last dark, dismal, cloudiest day?' 

\ Look to my cross, the sovereign cure 
T(ir all the ills thou canst endure: 
Wlience dart the beams of endless day, 
AnA clouds and darkness flee awav.' '' 



Eev; CORNELIUS WINTER, [L] Painswick. 
Died, A. D. 1808. 

On the subject of his dying. 
'^If the Lord were to refer it to me^ I 
would refer it to him again ; I feel to this 
world as a weaned child." 



""^O Lord Jesus, quicken thou me!'' 
On being asked if he ivas happy. 

*"' Yes, it is but a short step from earth to 

heaven — a short step ! -I have sought the 

divine glory more than my own interest. I 
am closing life as I began it." 



374 DYING SAYINGS 

'^ I feel the supports and comforts of the 
gospel I have preached.'' 

On the morning of the sabbath on which he died, 

^^God is my salvation — he is my sal vation ! ' 
^' I am ready ; I am ready ; I want to go 
home,'' 



Rev. RICHARD WINTER, B. D., [I.] London. 

Died, A. D. 1790. ML 70. 

'' I know assuredly I shall not live many 
days. I have had many warnings^ h[Ut this 
is the summons to call me home^ nor does it 
in the least dismay me ; for I know my found- 
ation stands sure^ and that I shall soon be 
at the right-hand of God^ as certainly as that 
I now exist. O to be free from sin, perfect 
in holiness, and immediately to pass into 
glory! my heart rejoices at such a transition. 
But, O, the wanderings of my heart! I long 
to be free from such intruders. Not that I 
have any malicious thoughts against any 
one; but my mind is like my dying body, 
weak and wandering. O what an unworthy 
creature! Why was I spared to be eight- 
een years older than my brother was when 
he died, who appeared much more likely for 
a long life than I did ? But God's ways are 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 375 

a great deep. O that good may be done by 
the feeble efforts of such an unworthy crea- 
ture! But heaven is free^ through the merits 
of my Redeemer ; and the prayer of the 
publican ever shall be mine/' 

'' They have w^ritten to day for my daugh- 
ter — I thank them for their kindness — but 
Jesus is my all now. I love her dearly — 
very dearly indeed — she has been an amia- 
ble relation to me ; but I love her none at 
alt^I say, none at all^ compared with Jesus 
Christ, my only and all-sufficient Saviour. 
He ha3 been for many years my only found- 
ation, my all in all !'' 

To a friend, 

' '' Some weak minds may suppose that as 
my illness came on so soon after my daugh- 
ter and her family departed, that it is on that 
account; but it is no such thing. Contra- 
dict that whenever you hear it. I have for 
many years had no will of my own; but 
desired all my concerns to be managed as 
my heavenly Father pleases. And had all 
the events that have taken place been ar- 
ranged before me, I would have chosen them 
all to be precisely as they now are. God 
has a work for ihem to do where they are 
gone^ and the Lord bless them there! We 



376 DYING SAYINGS 

had some ministers on Friday, and spent the 
afternoon in prayer^ committing them to their 
God and mine^ and there I left them. The 
night before they journeyed, my ^Taking 
hours were so filled with the presence of 
God that I never enjoyed such a night. In 
the morning I preached at Broad Street^ and 
O what a season had I there! Surely such 
seasons are a blessed fore-taste of heaven, 
and make me long for the full enjoyment. 
O^ my dear friend, I shall soon be tkere, 
and you will soon be in dying circumstances, 
as I now^ am. I charge you to kecB close 
to God and duty. Fill up your place where 
God at first called you in his house. O that 
the church may be kept together! It is my 
dying charge that you fill up your place. 
My time is very short. May the Lord bless 

you! Give my love to . Tell him i 

love him. We have had sweet converse to* 
gether of the things of the kingdom, but we 
shall soon enjoy it. I am just at the thres- 
hold of heaven. Farewell!'' 

On the day previous to his death, 

'^I have been thinking on those words, 
tvhose names are written in the Lainb's book 
of life. But how shall a man know that his 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 377 

name is written in that book ? Those words 
darted into my mind as an answer from 
scripture, / loill icrite my neiv name upon 
him. Now where Christ has written his 
new name upon any man's hearty don't you 
think he has good ground to conclude his 
name is written in the Lamb's book of life? 
And what is it to have Christ's new name 
written on the heart? To love, to esteem 
that name above all other names; to rely- 
wholly and solely upon him for salvation; 
and to be willing to give up all, every thing 
for his sake." 

When one remarked he had found the gospel a support 
to him, 

^"^ Yes, and I have found it a blessed sup- 
port to me these seventy years. When I was 
convinced what a sinful, wicked, and help- 
less creature I was, and Jesus Christ was 
made known to me, as every way aT^le and 
willing to save such a sinner, I found com- 
fort in him, and have found comfort in him 
ever since, although many times I have ex- 
perienced shameful distrust." 



Eev. GEORGE WISHEAKT. Martyred in 
Edinburgh, A. D. 1546. 

^^ O, imm.ortal God, how long wilt thou 



378 DYING SAYINGS 

suffer the ungodly to exercise their fury upon 
thy servants^ which do further thy word in 
this world ? Whereas the ungodly^ on the 
contrary, seek to destroy the truth, whereby 
thou hast revealed thyself to the world/' 

'' O Lord, we know certainly that thy 
true servants must needs suffer, for thy name's 
sake, persecutions, afflictions, and troubles, 
in this present world ; yet we desire that 
thou wouldest preserve and defend thy 
church, which thou hast chosen before the 
foundation of the world ; and give thy peo- 
ple grace to hear thy word, and to be thy 
true servants in this present life." 

At the stake, 
'' O thou Saviour of the world, have mer- 
cy upon me! Father of heaven, I commend 
my spirit into thy holy hands." 

To the people. 
'' Christian brethren and sisters, I beseech 
you be not offended at the word of God for 
the torments which you see prepared for me. 
I exhort you, that you love the word of God 
for your salvation, and suffer patiently, and 
with a comfortable heart, for the word's sake, 
which is your undoubted salvation and ever- 
lasting comfort. I pray you also to exhort 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 3/9 

my brethren and sisters^ who have often heard 
nie^ that they cease not to learn the word of 
God^ which I taught them^, according to the 
measure of grace given to me^ for no perse- 
cution or trouble in this world whatsoever ; 
and shew them that the doctrine is not an 
old wife's fable, but the truth of God ; for 
if I had taught men's doctrine, I had obtained 
greater thanks from men : but for the word 
of God's sake I now suffer— not sorrowfully, 
but with a glad heart and mind. For this 
cause I was sent into the world, that I should 
suffer this fire for Christ's sake. Behold my 
face; you shall not see me change my coun- 
tenance; I fear not the fire. If persecution 
come to you for the word's sake, I pray you, 
* Fear not them that kill the body, and have 
no power to kill the soul.' " 



'' I beseech thee, Father of heaven, for- 
give them that from ignorance, or an evil 
mind, have forged lies of me. I forgive 
them with all my heart. 1 beseech Christ to 
forgive them that have condemned me this 
day ignorantly." 

To the 'people, 

'' I beseech you, brethren, exhort your 
prelates to learn the word of God, that they 



380 DYING SAYINGS 

may be ashamed to do evil^ and learn to do 

good; or else there shall come upon them 

the wrath of God, which they shall not 

eschew/' 

In the flames. 

'' This fire torments my body, but no whit 
abates my spirits/' 



Mrs. HANNAH WOODD, Mother of the Rev. 
Basil Woodd, A, M., Rector of Beauchainp, and 
Minister of Bentinck Chapel, Paddington. Died, 
A. D. 1784. ^t. 48. 

To her son, 

'' O, I am very happy ! I am going to my 
mansion in the skies. I shall soon be there^ 
and oh! I shall be glad to receive jou to it. 
You shall come in, but you shall never go 
out — ro^ never'/' 

'' If ever you have a family, tell the child- 
ren they had a grandmother who feared God^ 
and found the comforts of il on her death- 
bed. And tell your partner, I shall be glad 
to see her in heaven; wlien you come to 
glory, you must bring her with 30U. hel 
me tell you by my own experience, when you 
come to lie upon your death-bed, an interest 
in Jesus will be found a precious possession. 
O what a mercy of mercies, that we should 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 381 

be brought out of the bondage of Egypt, 
and united together in the kingdom of God's 
dear son! I exhort you to preach the gos- 
pel: preach it faithfully and boldly. Fear 
not the face of man. Endeavour to put in a 
word of comfort to the humble believer — to 
poor weak souls. I heartily wish you suc- 
cess: may you be useful to the souls of 
manv!'' 



— ''It is a glorious salvation! a free, un- 
merited salvation! a full^ complete salvation! 
a perfect, eternal salvation! It is a deliver- 
ance from every enemy. It is a supply of 
every want. It is all I can wish for in time. 
It is all I can now w ish for in death. It is 
all I shall want in eternity.'' 

" ^ I long to see those hands which made me blest, 
Those feet which travelfd to procure my rest: 
I long to see that dear, that sacred head, 
Which bow'd, when on it all my sins were laid. 
The angels wait; my Saviour calls; — farewell! 
1 go, with him in endless peace to dwell.' '' 

*^ * I long to behold him array 'd 
With glory and light from above; 

The King in his beauty display'd, 
His beauty of holiest love. 

1 trust through his grace to be there, 
Where Jesus has fix'd his abode; 

Oh when shall we meet in the air, 
And fly to the mount of my God?'" 



382 DYING SAYINGS 

*^ Thank God, 1 have a hope built upon 
the Rock of Ages." 

To a friend. 
^*^ Ah^ my friend, I am dying; but I am 
going to glory ; I shall soon see my dear 
heavenly Father. God bless you, and be 
w^ith you, till I meet you there. I shall be 
glad to see you. Farewell/' 



'' I hope it will please God not to permit 
me to dishonour his cause. I trust my death 
w^ill shevy^ how God can support a poor weak 
believer. If it be his blessed will, I hope 1 
shall die in triumph, and leave behind me a 
testimony of his grace. I long to tell others 
what joy I feel, what God has done for me, 
and what God will do for all that trust in 
him/^ 

'' I am not alarmed ; no, I am not afraid : 
I am going to heaven.'* 

To her son. 

^''Now do you vouch for me; — am I 
alarmed? No, I know I shall be happy.'* 

'' I am going to my God. I shall see the 
King in his beauty; I shall be for ever near 
him; I shall for ever sing his praises.'' 

^^ God has greatly indulged my desires — 



OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS. 383 

has answered my prayers in a wonderful 
manner. How has he dealt with me in 
sparing me so long to see you^ my son^ settled 
in life! I remember w^hen I used to express 
my anxiety for your eternal welfare to a 
friend of mine^ he always said^ in allusion to 
the story of Monica^ the mother of St. Au- 
gustine^ ' Go home and make yourself easy ; 
the child of those tears can never perish.' 
Now, my dear, when God has removed me^ 
imitate St. Augustine's behaviour after the 
death of Monica; do not be dejected ; think 
of the happiness 1 shall then be enjoying, 
and say, as he said, when some wondered at 
his cheerfulness, ^ My mother is not a woman 
to be lamented.' " 



'* My Maker is my husband, the Lord of 
Hosts is his name!" 

'' God called me as a woman forsaken and 
grieved in spirit." 

'' I shall see him as he is : 1 shall be for 
ever near him, and behold his face : my eyes 
shall behold him : I shall see him for myself, 
and not another." 

^^ Blessed be God 1 blessed be God! ^' 



384 DYING SAYINGS. 

Rev. W. wren, [I.] York. Died, A. D. 1784. 
^t. 34. 

" * Why should I fear the darkest hour? 
Or tremble at the tempter's power? 
Jesus vouchsafes to be ray tower.' " 

'' Christ is my salvation." 

^' You see I am happy; — God is mine." 



Rev. SAMUEL WRIGHT, D. D., [P.] London. 
Died, A. D. 1746. ^t. 64. 

In prayer to God, 

'' Oh that thou wouldst give thy servant 
leave to die.'' 

*^^ Why are thy chariot wheels so long in 
coming? Come, Lord Jesus^ come quickly!'' 



Captain D. WYNTER, of tlie Royal Navy, [E.] 
Died, at Stonehouse, near Plymouth, A. D. 1810. 

^^ All is well! all is well!" 
'' Christ is suitable! — Christ is precious ' 
— jjrecions!*' 

^^^ Glory — glory — glory!" 

In the moment of dying. 

^'^Come — come — come!" 

THE END. 



W. Moliiicux, Printer, Rolls Buildings, Fetter Lane. 



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